I want to move to program universality, Ms. Stevenson.
The advocates I've worked with over the years have told me that it's critically important to them that a school nutrition program be available to everyone for a number of reasons. First of all, it's not a “poor person's program” and we don't stigmatize children, particularly in elementary school, when they're very sensitive to differentials like that. We don't want some kids going into one room for the free lunch and others not. More importantly, there are kids who come from wealthy families who don't necessarily have good nutrition either.
I would like to hear your views on the importance, or not, of program universality when rolling out a school nutrition program.