You’ve probably heard about the National School Lunch Program, but do you know exactly what it does and what its goals are? In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on the federal school lunch program that provides reduced-cost or free lunches to millions of students across the country every day. We’ll cover topics like when and why it was started, how schools qualify and apply for the program, what kinds of meals are served, and who benefits.
You’ll learn all about the guidelines schools have to follow to take part and how the program is funded. We’ll also chat about some of the challenges and controversies surrounding the National School Lunch Program. So grab your lunch tray and let’s dig into everything you need to know about this important national program that impacts the lives and health of students.
Goals and Objectives of the Federal School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Act was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946. The goal was to provide nutritious lunches to schoolchildren across America. At the time, many young men had been rejected from WWII military service due to malnutrition and health issues.
The program began as a measure of national security, to ensure children had access to healthy meals so they could grow into strong, able-bodied adults. The government provided food commodities and cash subsidies to help schools offer lunches at a low cost or for free.
Growth and Expansion
In the beginning, the program reached 7.1 million children. It has since grown tremendously, now serving over 30 million kids daily. It was expanded in the 1960s to include breakfasts, and again in the 70s to allow for snack programs and summer meal services.
Nutrition Improvements
There have been ongoing efforts to make school lunches more nutritious. In the 90s, limits were set on fat and portion sizes. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 set higher nutrition standards, requiring more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. While controversial, studies show students are now eating healthier school meals.
The National School Lunch Program has come a long way in over 70 years. From its beginnings as a matter of national security, it has grown into a comprehensive child nutrition program promoting health, wellness and learning readiness. Providing students at least one nutritious meal a day, it helps combat poverty and improve public health for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
How the Federal School Lunch Program Works
The National School Lunch Program aims to provide nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to students in need. Its primary goals are to improve children’s health, reduce childhood hunger, and support the agricultural economy.
By offering affordable, nutritious meals, the program helps ensure that all students can focus in class instead of worrying where their next meal will come from. For many children from low-income families, the lunch they receive at school is the most nutritious meal of the day.
The program also strives to teach students healthy eating habits by providing balanced, nutritious meals. School lunches must meet strict nutrition standards limiting fat, sugar and sodium while offering lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Students can learn by example and develop a taste for healthier foods.
Finally, the program supports domestic food producers by requiring schools to purchase food and ingredients produced in the United States. This boosts the agricultural economy and ensures a reliable market for American farmers and food manufacturers.
While not perfect, the National School Lunch Program works to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and support agriculture. At its best, it is a win-win-win – helping children, producers and the nation as a whole. By providing needy students with sustenance and teaching them life-long healthy eating habits, the program aims to give every child a chance to thrive.
