10.16.14 Let’s Celebrate School Lunch!
National School Lunch Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. Not only because I am reminded of the wonderful school nutrition professionals that made sure I had something warm to eat every day, but because of the important role school meals play in a student’s ability to grow, learn, and be successful. 
What is National School Lunch Week?
This observance was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 as a weeklong celebration of the school lunch program. October 13-17 is National School Lunch Week and this year’s theme is “Get in the Game with School Lunch.” Did you know that more than 31 million students eat school lunch every day? That’s a lot of fruits and veggies consumed by students.
Why Are School Meals Important?
There is a clear link between good nutrition and learning. Research shows that continuous low nutritional intake affects motivation and attentiveness, which can have a negative impact on learning. In addition, children who are undernourished or hungry have lower math scores and are more likely to have to repeat a grade. They are more likely to be hyperactive, absent and tardy, in addition to having behavioral and attention problems more often than other children. Thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act made the first major change to school meal nutrition standards in over 15 years, and is helping to raise a healthier generation of children. We know that NEA members are supportive of these nutrition standards and are dedicated to serving nutritious meals to students to help them learn and thrive.
What Are NEA Members Doing to End Child Hunger?
Food is a right that every child should have access to–especially at school. NEA members see the benefits of the school lunch program daily and know first-hand that hungry children cannot learn. NEA members from across the country have become champions for programs like Breakfast in the Classroom, which help increase participation in the School Breakfast Program. They also advocate for summer meals, after school snacks, and weekend backpack programs to ensure that students have access to healthy food 365 days of the year.
In order for every child to get the proper nutrition they need Child Nutrition Programs must be better funded to combat childhood hunger. This year, NEA and NEA HIN are proud to have signed on to a letter with more than 1,000 organizations to urge President Obama to invest in child nutrition programs and ensure that every student has access to healthy school meals.
What Can I do?
School Lunch Week doesn’t have to end after this week! Keep up the momentum and let us know what actions you’re taking to celebrate and promote the importance of nutritious school meals so that no child goes hungry. You can also tell us via social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted by Annelise Cohon
on October 16, 2014