How would admitting someone to a gifted program affect their nutrition, or domestic situation? Many of the testimonials from commenters read as children who were under-stimulated, not malnourished. In this case there would be no reason to expect they wouldn't be able to meet the criteria (pass the test) of these programs.
Indeed placing smart kids into gifted programs does help them, that's why these programs should not be abolished. However IQ doesn't fluctuate that much over one's lifespan, so at worst we're missing some children on the edges, which is inevitable in any human system.
Gitfed programs are essentially a misnomer. It's really a program where they are given better resources, more attention, and good role models and peer groups. Viewed this way anyone would benefit from it.
Indeed placing smart kids into gifted programs does help them, that's why these programs should not be abolished. However IQ doesn't fluctuate that much over one's lifespan, so at worst we're missing some children on the edges, which is inevitable in any human system.