National School Lunch Week is over, but it’s never too late to highlight all of the ways that schools are helping to fight childhood hunger. No one can deny the fact that children learn better when they aren’t hungry. When children aren’t thinking about food they focus better and engage in school.
National School Lunch Programs
Free and reduced school lunches are provided to children with low income families in public schools all over America. The program started in 1946 when President Truman signed the National School Lunch Act. From there, it expanded to include snacks for afterschool programs and breakfasts in some areas.
These meals have to meet nutritional requirements to ensure that children are getting healthy options. In 2012 more than 31.6 million children received meals through the National School Lunch Program.
Backpack Programs
Many students with low income families depend on free school meals during the week. During the weekends, however, children continue to struggle with hunger. Many food banks have started Backpack Programs to help solve this problem.
The idea is simple, at the end of the week qualifying students can get a bag filled with nutritious, easy to prepare food to take home with them for the weekend. Feeding America currently provides weekend meals for over 450,000 children. Blessings in a Backpack has a similar program.
New Programs
New and innovative solutions to childhood hunger are made often. In El Paso, students can now eat dinner for free at select schools. This makes it possible for many students to receive healthy meals throughout the day.
Another innovative program is the USDA’s Farm to School Program. This initiative works to provide schools with food from local farmers. This teaches children about how to eat healthy as well as how agricultural cycles work. It also encourages participation in a school garden.
Want to find out more ways to end hunger? Check out our Take Action page!
