Call for Probe into N.J. School Lunch Program
New Jersey lawmakers are calling for an investigation into a state-run school lunch program.
School districts are required to verify only 3 percent of the applications for the federally financed lunch program that’s administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
A June report by the state auditor found that 37 percent of students in the program did not meet family income eligibility requirements.
Senator Michael Doherty says that’s a big concern for taxpayers because enrolling a student in the program triggers an “At Risk” designation that increases school aid.
“These school officials have determined that nobody’s checking and they can bring millions of dollars more to their school districts to hire their friends and their cronies to work in those schools, and it needs to end,” he said.
The governor’s office is asking authorities to look into the allegations that three high-ranking schools officials in Elizabeth signed their kids up for the program that’s intended to help low-income families.
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