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The National School Lunch Program was adopted by
Congress in 1946 as a belief that it is a
measure of national security to safeguard the
health and well-being of the nation's children.
The objective of the program is to provide
nutritionally sound meals at an affordable
price. In conjunction with the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department
of Defense (DOD) remains active to this day in
School Meal Programs, distributing fresh fruits
and vegetables. The USDA and DOD use federal
dollars to purchase commodity foods to bolster
agricultural prices, relieve the market of
surplus foods and offer economic aid to child
nutrition programs.
The National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
at Houghton-Portage Township Schools promote the
health and well-being of all participating
children. The principle goal is to promote
nutritious meals implementing the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. The program is
designed to provide one-third of the student's
recommended daily allowance of nutrients. Each
-Type A- meal has four components: meat/meat
alternate foods, fruit and vegetables,
bread/bread equivalent foods and fluid milk as a
beverage. Free and reduced priced lunches are
available to those students from families
meeting specific income criteria.
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