Free and reduced meals are still managed and served on a day to day basis by the schools and in the school. So it does not take district money, it does take time and effort to get the kids enrolled, to prep and serve the meals, etc. Perhaps time and effort that could be best used for academics.

But, these are very likely the only meals many of these kids may get each day. My wife is an educator and I know she and a whole lot of teachers have a lot of desk drawers filled with snacks and treats they give out to the kids. They also spend a lot of time, effort and their own money collecting and cleaning coats, hats, gloves , shoes, shirts, etc to students in need.

I guess a related question is How many kids on free or reduced price meals at our affluent suburban parochial schools. Bet not many! Be nice to attend or work in a school where the biggest problem is probably dad wouldn't let Johnny or Bambi drive the Beemer to school today.