Administrators took a huge bite out of the Philadelphia schools budget this year, so a group of parents and staff have decided to not take a bite out of anything to protest.

The group is participating in a fast to draw attention to the massive layoffs prompted by what was described as a “Doomsday Budget” for Philadelphia schools. Critics blame state budget cuts and say the focus of their fasting effort is on student safety. Michael Mullins, who hasn’t eaten since last Monday, June 17th,  says that’s the one thing that makes him feel the most helpless when he drops his kids off at school. Mullins says he had a rough time on day 5 of the fast, but has since settled in and is doing okay.

The “Fast for Safe Schools” effort began with 4 people last Monday. More are joining in this week and the group is planning to travel to Harrisburg Tuesday to take their message straight to state lawmakers and the governor. Up until now, the fasters have been protesting outside the Philadelphia office of Governor Tom Corbett from 8am through 8pm.

The protesters say the recent Philadelphia School Budget which resulted in thousands of layoffs, wiped out virtually all of the student safety staff, known also as noontime aides. They want those positions restored and say they will continue their protest through the end of the legislative session, which is scheduled for this Sunday but could be extended longer.