Due to rethinking the role of food in schools in the face of pressures from 'competitive foods' and a constant slew of budget cuts, the National School Lunch Program has undergone many changes over the last few years. But even with all of its ups and downs, the National School Food Program is an important part of teaching kids how to eat well and provides vital resources to underprivileged children.
To celebrate the National School Food Program's successes, the USDA is hosting a number of activities this week to promote advances and the benefits of the program.
First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative will award schools that show improvement in child wellness with cash prizes that range from $500 - $2000. It will also host a Recipes for Healthy Kids competition to develop nutritious, 'kid-approved' recipes for schools.
The USDA also celebrates the Obama Administration's inclusion of the National School Breakfast Program as "a down payment in battling hunger and food insecurity."
This week the Center for Ecoliteracy has submitted a useful guide about making improved school food programs successful. According to Marion Nestle of Food Politics, its discussion of practical matters like methods, management, staff training, and marketing makes it a good starting guide to improving school food programs.
More From Earth Eats: Earth Eats has been covering the National School Lunch Program updates over the year. Click below to read some recent National School Lunch Program articles:
- Janet Poppendieck: School Food in America Today
- Senate Agriculture Committee Moves To Improve School Lunches
- The Fight For Better School Lunches Continues
Read More:
- USDA Highlights Efforts to Improve Child Nutrition During National School Lunch Week (United States Department of Agriculture)
- It's National School Lunch Week: here's how to feed kids better (Food Politics)
- School Lunch: What's On Your Tray? (School Nutrition)