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25 <br /> RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> Categories <br /> I. Direct Service Programs: includes direct service programs like school foods, transpor- <br /> tation, and charitable food programs. <br /> II. Deeper Investments in Ending Hunger: includes issues like housing, economic de- <br /> velopment, and other wrap-around services. <br /> III. Feedback for Decision-Makers: feedback specifically aimed at decision-makers and <br /> how decisions are made. <br /> I. DIRECT SERVICE PROGRAMS <br /> School food programs should be improving. This is a top priority for Community <br /> Experts. <br /> "Our community's polite... If 1 complain about what is handed to me, it's biting the hand <br /> that feeds you. But at this point, our community is poor, but I'm not going to let you give <br /> us scraps. This is why the community is not complaining to the school because they're <br /> thankful that you're giving them something, but they should deserve better... We are <br /> polite because you're giving us something for free. But just because you're giving us <br /> something for free, doesn't mean you can give us bad milk" <br /> Recommended actions: <br /> • Increase funding for fresh foods and foods that appeal to students to eat, this may require <br /> additional funding for purchasing foods and hiring staff to prepare the kinds of foods that any <br /> decision-maker or elected official would want to eat themselves or serve their children. <br /> • A commitment to long-term investments must be made, instead of programs that are advertised <br /> as a big change but do not feel truly impactful for families and children. <br /> • During summer foods programs, allow children and families to pick up food and eat it when <br /> they need/want to eat it. Children should not be forced to eat lunch outside in the heat during <br /> the summer, they should have the option to take it home to share or eat it later. This may require <br /> additional funding and to forgo funding from state/federal sources, but this kind of undignified <br /> programming should not exist in one of the wealthiest counties in the state. <br /> 10 <br />