“There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” (alternatively, “There is no such thing as a free lunch” or other variants) is a popular adage communicating the idea that it is impossible to get something for nothing. The acronyms TANSTAAFL, TINSTAAFL, and TNSTAAFL are also used. The phrase was in use by the 1930s, but its first appearance is unknown.[1] The “free lunch” in the saying refers to the nineteenth-century practice in American bars of offering a “free lunch” in order to entice drinking customers. (Wikipedia)
And while there is certainly truth to this, the kids at Cheney High school can get a free lunch…well, almost. It costs them a “thank you.” I started Project Feed Forward last year after coming to a realization that kids, lots of kids, were hungry during the day, so I started making food available to just my students, but then others caught on, and before I knew it, I was feeding the school. Unable to sustain this on my teacher salary alone, I reached out to friends and family for help, and their response was overwhelming. So many donated to the project, and they still do today. From friends, family, teachers, administrators, school board members, community members to former and present students, people have warmly responded to the project. Yokes, one of our local grocery stores, donates noodles all the time. But as with anything, there are always a few who find fault and criticize.
Early on, some chimed in, suggesting that I was not preparing kids for the real world–with some literally saying, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” Others suggested that kids would take advantage of it, that some would take food even if they didn’t need or deserve it. And from there, I began calling it Project Feed Forward. And this became the basic message of the project: kindness feeds kindness. It was not about who deserved and who did not. It was about how a simple act of kindness can make a difference and how when others are treated with kindness, they are likely to do the same. I want this generation to go forward knowing that kindness matters. I am feeding that message forward. I ask for nothing in return except for a “thank you,” which the kids write on the closet door after they take food. The thank you is not for me, it is for those who donate. On occasion I take pictures of the “thank you’s” and post them on social media.
Are there some who take advantage? Maybe. But so what? We all need kindness. Early on, I had a local business offer funding but it would have to be designated for “needy” kids (it’s just how it had to be), but I declined. I did not want to risk further stigmatizing some of our needier kids, so it is available to all. No questions asked. We all need food. We all need kindness. Will a handout ruin a kid’s chance in the real world? Who knows? If so, maybe the world needs to change. If compassion is a free lunch, then I will feed the world. And there are many who would feed it with me.
There are so many kind people in this world, people who are willing to give and help. And while I am thankful that Project Feed Forward is getting some publicity, I am abashed to be in the spotlight again, for there are so many out here who are doing great things for kids. I just happened to be in the right spot at the right time. Katie Chen from KHQ spied the “thank you” board when she was in my room a few weeks ago and asked me about it. At the time, she commented to her crew that they should do a piece on the project. I figured she was just making polite talk, but she meant it, for she contacted my yesterday morning and interviewed me at lunch. And though my face is in the news, I share that space with all who have so generously donated to the project. A million thank you’s. I could not do it without you. Thank you. The kids thank. And I believe–truly, that they will feed forward your kindness.
Today’s Trail
Along today’s trail we will…
...begin with Smiles and Frowns.
…begin delivering our Be a Voice speeches. Cannot wait.
…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.
Happy Tuesday, all.
Do. Reflect. Do Better.
This is in response to the Upworthiest posting about allowing a student to sleep in class. Bravo for you. There are more teachers who are caring, tolerant, and compassionate than most people realize. Teachers often make great sacrifices for students and they are heroes. However, this is one instance not just a matter of going against the grain. Schools are, and MUST be, top-down, authoritarian bureaucracies. The laws dictate that all must attend, with few extraordinary exceptions. This means that there will be real threats and real consequences for non-compliance and the state will control what does and does not happen with phenomenal power and arbitrariness. Nothing can be allowed to chance or individual choice. Autonomy is taboo, despite all claims to the contrary and constant resistance. therefore, schools harm students. As Holt famously said, “School is bad for kids”, There is one way and one way only to change this dynamic and institute a new paradigm. That is to eradicate attendance laws, which btw are unconstitutional and age-discriminating. For more, ask me for my website address.
Last year, one day of kindness made a difference. It turned a kid’s day around. All because he found out he could get food without feeling like he was different. I noticed and I’m so glad you did and continue to do this for the students. Kindness is truly contagious.
This is a beautiful story. We run a free breakfast program at the middle school where I teach, and a concern that was raised early on was that students who “didn’t need it” would come and eat, thereby ruining it for others. This has certainly not been the case. Many students come to the Breakfast Club, as they call it, to get a glass of juice and visit with their friends in the cafeteria. Who are we to say that someone “doesn’t need” a piece of toast or a glass of juice to get them off on the right foot in the morning? I am proud of the work my school does to ensure that our students can begin the day with whatever fuel they need 🙂