ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 4, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Reading, writing and arithmetic: Kids who eat nutritious meals not only perform better in these subjects, but in other aspects of their lives as well. That's why the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has been providing healthy lunches to students for more than 55 years.
This year, the American School Food Service Association (ASFSA) and the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service are pleased to be partners in the promotion of National School Lunch Week (NSLW), October 15-19. The theme for this year's celebration is "School Lunch By the Book" which emphasizes the relationship between nutritious school lunches and a child's readiness to learn in the classroom.
Marcia Smith, president of ASFSA points out, "The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 28 million children each day. For many, this lunch is their most nutritious meal of the day."
The week of October 15 through 19 is a time to recognize the important contribution of the school lunch program to the health and well-being of the nation's children.
In keeping with this year's theme, school foodservice professionals will plan fun-filled menus, and plan special events, many focusing on the By the Book theme. Students visiting cafeterias may see unique decorations and even foodservice staff dressed in keeping with the theme.
Throughout the year all meals served in the National School Lunch Program are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture and are in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommends that no more than 30 percent of an individual's calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. Regulations also establish a standard for school lunches to provide one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories.
Smith comments, "Healthy school lunches meet the national dietary guidelines and promote healthy bodies and minds."
NSLW was established in 1963 by a proclamation from President John F. Kennedy. It is designed to help raise awareness of and garner support for the role that school foodservice and nutrition programs play in the lives of America's children. The American School Food Service Association helps celebrate the event each year with a theme and promotional materials. For more information on National School Lunch Week go to the ASFSA Web site at www.asfsa.org.
ASFSA is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 56,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Founded in 1948, ASFSA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children's health and well-being through school meals and sound nutrition education.
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CONTACT: ASFSA
Jan Stanton
703-739-3900 x149