School lunch programs

Definition:

The nutritional goal of the school lunch program is to provide children a meal, which contains approximately one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The lunches provide one third of the RDA when averaged over time -not at each meal.

School lunch programs have basic requirements for types and amounts of foods to be served. These requirements are based on the Four Food Groups and are quite strict.

Congress originated the school lunch program to meet the needs of the U.S. Military. Men enlisting in the service for World War II were poorly nourished and many were turned away as a result. To solve this problem school lunch programs were initiated to ensure that future soldiers were healthier.

In recent years school lunch programs have been the subject of controversy with many parents objecting to the nutritional content of the meals served. Nutrition recommendations have changed a great deal since the inception of the program and many people feel that school lunch programs haven't kept pace with these recommendations.

School lunch programs are encouraged to incorporate the dietary guidelines and food pyramid in their meal planning. However, these programs are faced with the challenge of trying to attract students and are competing with fast foods and convenience foods which are readily available to children. Higher fat convenience foods frequently win out over healthier alternatives.