Philly school meal program could be sacked

PHILADELPHIA, May 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering ending a Philadelphia school breakfast and lunch program, an official said

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday the possibility that the Universal Feeding could be scrapped has outraged advocates.

The program allows more than 120,000 students in poor schools to eat free meals without having to fill out applications. USDA officials say applications must be filled out.

Agriculture Deputy Undersecretary Janey Thornton said "it isn't fair" that Philadelphia is the only city with the program.

"We have to treat all districts in the country alike," she was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

Members of Philadelphia's congressional delegation had met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in an effort to retain the program, the newspaper noted.