MRP is working on an urgent issue affecting our school community. The USDA is generously providing free meals to 18 elementary schools in Lincoln, based on the criteria that 65% or more of their students qualify for the free and reduced meals program. Unfortunately, our school was left out last year, because only 58% of Roper students students qualified. This year, our school is being left out again because only 62% of students qualify for free meals.
This statistic, however, does not tell the whole story. Roper has more total qualifying students than 83% of the schools currently receiving free meals and more qualifying students than 72% of the total student population of those qualifying schools. This discrepancy highlights a flawed metric that unfairly excludes our students from receiving the support they need.
Our students have missed out on after school clubs and summer programming for the same reason. Despite these challenges, dedicated parents tirelessly raised funds for after-school clubs and a summer meals & activities program this past school year. As we’ve searched for outside funding to support our students, our proposals have been repeatedly turned down for funding because our proposals benefit only Roper students and not all students in the district. This irony is not lost on us, as our students continue to be treated unfairly by not receiving these USDA-provided free meals.
We are committed to changing this. Our goal is to provide free meals to all our students, ensuring they receive the same opportunities and support as their peers in other schools.
Take action:
- Contact your school board representative and make your voice heard.
- Go to https://home.lps.org/board/ to find your district representative’s contact information.
Donate. Your generous donation will help us:
- Provide daily nutritious meals to our students.
- Ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all children in our school.
- Support the overall well-being and academic success of our students.
Together, we can make a difference. Your support will help us bridge this gap and ensure that every child in our school receives the nourishment they need to thrive.
