Free Breakfasts for Schoolkids

* Re “Rising Number of State Schools Offer Breakfasts,” Nov. 21: Imagine for a moment that California schools have $1 million added to their budget each day. Computer labs could be added. Arts and science programs enhanced. Physical education and sports programs expanded. For a change, teachers would not need to pay for as many classroom supplies out-of-pocket.

Sounds like a fantasy? Think again. The funds are already there in the form of “free” breakfasts and, in many cases, lunch. Nearly 800,000 meals per day in breakfasts alone.

Parents who do not feed their children before sending them off to school do their community a disservice. There really is no such thing as a free lunch (or breakfast). At school, it is ultimately paid for by our children. All of them.

ALBERT FLYNN

Los Angeles

* I think we all agree that children do better in school if they have had a good breakfast. The disagreement comes when some seem to think it is the school’s responsibility to provide that breakfast. Breakfast is the easiest and cheapest meal of the day to provide. With cereal available and a carton of milk, every child can have a nutritious meal at home before he comes to school.

Let’s give the parents some of the responsibility to see that their children perform well at school.

SHIRLEY GLASGOW

Lake Arrowhead