Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., suggested that children should work for their school lunches during a CNN interview, defending the White House’s federal aid freeze on school lunch programs. Critics, including Texas Democratic Party member Micah Erfan, argued that McCormick’s comments imply that poor children are “moochers” who should work for food.

“You’re telling me that kids who stay at home instead of going to work at Burger King or McDonald’s during the summer should stay at home and get their free lunch instead of going to work?” McCormick stated.

The funding freeze on school lunches could affect around 30 million kids who rely on free or reduced lunches, prompting backlash from various commentators and experts on social media.