-
School Nutrition Act
It was created by President Harry Truman in response to the military rejecting men because of health-related problems. He wanted to ensure that children were eating well so they grow up to be healthy, productive citizens. The school lunch program was around before, but the act ensured schools would receive allotments of USDA agriculture and meat. -
Breakfast Program
Began as a pilot project and was made permanent in 1975. The program provides students with a healthy breakfast at a free or reduced price, based on family income. -
Summer Food Service Program
The 3-year pilot provided grants to States to help provide meals for children when school was not in session. It had 2 compoments--Child Care and Summer. Within a year, about 99,000 children were participating in the summer program at 1,200 sites. -
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
This act became a public law and made changes to the program, eliminating private nonprofit organization sponsors, except for schools and camps. The law also redefined "area of poor economic conditions" to mean areas where 50% of children would be eligible for free and reduced price meals, rather than 1/3. In just one year, participation dropped from 1.9 million children at over 20,500 sites to less than 1.4 million children at about 14,400 sites. -
Healthy Meals For Healthy Americans Act
This act raised priority for private nonprofit sponsors with program experience, and removed the one-year waiting period for nonprofit sponsors operating in areas formerly served by school or government sites. It also established start-up and expansion grants. -
Let's Move! Program
This was a comprehensive initiative dedicated to solving the issue of childhood obesity. Offers parents helpful information, fosters environments that support healthy choices, and focuses on providing healthier foods in schools. It ensures that every family has access to healthy, affordable food, and helps kids become more physically active. -
Hunger Free Kids Act
This act was reauthorized by President Obama. It provides more funding for school lunch programs and supports more fresh fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria. It also raises nutritional standards in child care facilities. It allows for the USDA to raise quality standards for school breakfasts and lunches, encourages the farm-to-school program and for schools to plant gardens. Overall, it encourages wellness and nutrition in school and daycare settings.
