School breakfasts are an important part of the day for some

It's not surprising that some people who have jobs are the most critical of expanding unemployment benefits. And it's also some people with good health insurance who are most against reforming the current health care system. The same goes for providing free breakfasts for children in our schools. Those who can provide home breakfasts are more likely to disagree with the school providing them for others. Fact is, though, these breakfasts serve a critical need for children who need them.

More than a million breakfasts were served in Highlands County schools during the 2008-09 school year. Those numbers continue to climb even though enrollment is dipping. That's a result of our sour economy and so many families needing assistance.

It doesn't take a health or education expert to explain that a child with a full tummy will do better than a hungry child. Just the thought of an innocent child being hungry due to need is enough to make any caring person want to help in some way.

Public schools started feeding children breakfast years ago and there's little doubt it has helped a great deal. It might be one or two of the only good meals that child receives every day.

Our children cannot help the financial situation of their parents. They can't help if there's not enough food in the house and they have nowhere to turn. Providing these children breakfast is an important safety net item that a country like ours must provide.

We can be careful with taxpayer dollars and still provide services such as this. This isn't a black hole we're throwing money into. Our schools do a fine job making these meals available.