The Modi'im state religious school, which caters for about 200 children, is in an area classified as "in crisis," entitling it to government-funded lunches, but the ministry says it does not have the budget to meet its obligations.
By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY
The Education Ministry has rescinded on a promise to fund lunches for an elementary school in the impoverished Yad Eliyahu neighborhood, and the school's principal is shelling out her own money to buy bread and humus daily for up to 100 children rather than let them go hungry, reports Yediot Tel Aviv.
The Modi'im state religious school, which caters for about 200 children, is in an area classified as "in crisis," entitling it to government-funded lunches, but the ministry says it does not have the budget to meet its obligations.
According to the report, the ministry promised in September that it would fund 30 percent of a food program at the school. The remaining cost would mostly be borne by the city, with a small amount coming from the children's parents, 70% of whom are classified as "families of reduced ability." But the ministry suddenly announced that it is unable to pay its share. The report says about 100 children are now being fed every day by the principal, who has demanded that the ministry meets itsobligations.
A ministry spokesman said that because of "budget problems" the ministry was not operating the food program in any additional schools this year, and efforts were being made to find a solution for the Modi'im school.