1. National School Lunch Week 2005
October 11-15, 2005

2. History of The National School Lunch Program
Legislation passed June 4, 1946 by
President Harry S. Truman
Program developed in response to many men being rejected from the military during World War II due to diet related problems
More than 27 million children have participated in the National School Lunch Program
The National School Breakfast Program and Snack Program have since been enacted
                                                

3. How Does the Program Work?
Schools receive reimbursements and commodities from USDA for the meals they serve
In return, the school must provide a lunch that meets federal and nutritional requirements at a low cost to children and parents
                                                
                                                

4. Nutritional Requirements of School Lunch
School lunches must:
Provide 1/3 of the RDA for protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories for children
Follow the Dietary Guidelines:
No more than 30% of total calories may come from fat
Less than 10% of total calories may come from saturated fat

5. Goals of School Lunch
Promote variety, balance, and moderation in meal planning
Protect the health and well-being of children
Teach children to make healthy food choices
Teach children to understand the importance of food choices in their overall health

6. School Foodservice Staff
Promotes nutrition education in the school cafeteria
Trained to understand the role of nutrition in health