While we reflect and celebrate National School Lunch Week, we should still consider the future. Yes, school lunches have come a long way since President Harry Truman signed the 1947 National School Lunch Act. He stated, “In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children, or more prosperous than its farmers.” This still holds true today but the problems over the years have changed so much.
Years later President Obama states “Children are America’s greatest treasure, and ensuring their health is one of our most important duties as parents, families, and community members. Our children’s continued ability to learn in the classroom, grow up healthy, and reach their full potential will depend on what we do now to secure their future.”
Schools have made changes to improve the programs but time, money, resources and even acceptance from the children have been active barriers. What can we do to help progress the school lunch program?
If you are a parent, I encourage you to go to lunch this week at your kid’s school. See how it has changed and what you would like to see. Also, every school has a wellness committee. As a health professional, your expertise is valuable and you can ensure schools can move forward not only for lunch but breakfast (including a great protein source) and summer lunch programs.
