National School Lunch Week, 2005

Proclamation 7942 of October 7, 2005

National School Lunch Week, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since 1946, the National School Lunch Program has
contributed to the welfare of our Nation's youth and
the academic mission of our schools. Each year during
National School Lunch Week, we recognize this valuable
program and highlight the continuing importance of
providing America's children with access to nutritious
meals.

Today, nearly 100,000 public and private schools and
residential child care institutions are implementing
the National School Lunch Program, providing fresh
fruits and vegetables, milk, and other nutritious food
choices to an average of 29 million children each
school day. The School Breakfast Program and the
availability of after-school snacks as part of the
School Lunch Program give children additional
opportunities to receive a more wholesome diet.

Through the National School Lunch Program, school
officials and food service professionals continue to
demonstrate their dedication to our Nation's youth. To
support these efforts, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Team Nutrition provides important
nutrition education programs for children and technical
training programs for food service professionals to
assist them in preparing healthy school lunches. The
National School Lunch Program also supports the
HealthierUS School Challenge, an initiative that
recognizes schools and local communities for actively
promoting healthy lifestyles. By encouraging healthy
eating habits and access to nutritious food, we are
helping America's young people succeed in school, and
we are helping protect them against childhood obesity,
diabetes, and the risk of other serious health problems
later in life.

In recognition of the contributions of the National
School Lunch Program to the health, education, and
well-being of America's children, the Congress, by
joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87-
780), as amended, has designated the week beginning on
the second Sunday in October of each year as ``National
School Lunch Week,'' and has requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9
through October 15, 2005, as National School Lunch
Week. I call upon all Americans to join the dedicated
individuals who administer the National School Lunch
Program in appropriate activities that support the
health and well-being of our Nation's children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B