School Lunch Program
The School Lunch program is a federally-funded meal assistance program that provides nutritionally balanced meals at reduced or zero cost to students in public and non-profit schools as well as residential child care institutions. In 2010, this program provided meals to over 31 million children each school day.
Schools that choose to take part in the School Lunch Program receive cash subsidies and USDA foods from the USDA for each meal that is served. In exchange, the school must serve lunches that meet Federal Requirements, and must offer free or reduced price lunches to eligible children.
School Lunches must meet the nutrition recommendations set out by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Meals should contain no more than 30 percent of an individual's calories from fat, with less than 10 percent coming from saturated fat. Meals must also supply one third of the Recommended Daily Allowances for calories, protein, iron, calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Schools may use their discretion regarding specific foods and methods of preparation.
School Lunch Program Eligibility
Any child who attends a participating school may purchase a meal through the School Lunch Program. Children of families at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals, and those between 130-185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced cost meals, where students can be charged no more than 40 cents per meal. Children with families above 185 percent pay full price for meals, but schools must operate their meal program as a non-profit program.
Schools send home meal applications at the beginning of each school year, however, children can sign up for the program at any time throughout the year. The school must supply an application upon request. If a family is receiving SNAP benefits, the child will automatically qualify for free school lunches.
Read more about the government effort to improve the nutritional content of school meals and reduce childhood obesity: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/us/politics/new-school-lunch-rules-aimed-at-reducing-obesity.html .
First Lady Michelle Obama worked with the USDA to challenge software developers to create games that motivate kids to eat better and be more physicall active. Play one of the Apps for Health Kids! http://appsforhealthykids.com/ .
