Influenza vaccination campaigns have recently begun on campuses. The Taichung City Government unilaterally decided not to allow the use of vaccines developed by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp in schools, drawing criticism that it was prioritizing ideology over medical certification. This issue brings to mind Taichung’s NT$5 meal subsidies.
The Executive Yuan last month announced a new birth subsidy policy, which would take effect next year and provide up to NT$100,000 per newborn — an important measure demonstrating care and support for young families to encourage childbirth and ease household financial burdens. Meanwhile, Taichung — a city with high tax revenues — only offers a meager NT$5 subsidy per meal for schoolchildren’s nutritious lunches. Such a stark contrast raises serious questions about whether the Taichung City Government truly prioritizes investing in the health of the next generation.
Many other local adminstrations have already implemented free lunches for schoolchildren. Compared with those places, Taichung has a much more robust financial capacity, yet the city government frequently cites financial constraints as an excuse to shirk its responsibilities.
Taichung City Councilor Lin Chi-feng (林祈烽) said that many parents have reported that their children generally dislike school lunches, raising concerns that unbalanced nutrition might impact their development. Increasing subsidies would give caterers more resources to improve the quality of meals, allowing children to enjoy their meals and grow up healthier.
What is unbelievable is that Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) was willing to use funds from rebates to subsidize lunches for elementary-school children in Taichung’s Longjing District (龍井), to take some responsibility for the impact their nearby industrial facilities have on the local community. However, the city government rejected the proposal on the grounds of “policy fairness,” preferring to let children live in poor conditions rather than provide “benefits” to certain communities.
Fifteen borough wardens from Longjing District boycotted a city council meeting in protest at the decision, extremely disheartened by a city government that places political considerations above residents’ lives.
The central government’s birth subsidy policy of NT$100,000 per newborn has demonstrated the nation’s genuine concern and desire to support young families, and would serve as a strong boost encouraging childbirth. The policy would meaningfully ease the economic pressures of child-rearing and deserves praise.
In an era of declining birthrates, social welfare policies should prioritize the interests of children. The Taichung City Government’s rejection of Taipower’s well-intentioned subsidies reveals its narrow-mindedness.
When some of the city councilors demanded that NT$50,000 cash handouts be distributed to each resident, the city government firmly rejected the proposal, citing concerns about budget constraints. The result is that schoolchildren are left with a meager NT$5 subsidy for their lunches. Where is Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s (盧秀燕) — or “Mother Lu’s” — compassion for children?
The Taichung City Government must set its ego aside, re-evaluate its fiscal priorities and include free nutritious lunches as a basic right for all children in the city. The time has come to demonstrate a genuine commitment to students — not just with words, but through concrete actions.
Yang Chih-chiang is an elementary-school teacher.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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