An Examination of the Public School Lunch Program in the United States of America

A Senior Honors Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for graduation with distinction in Department of Hospitality Management in the College of Human Ecology at The Ohio State UniversityThe purpose of my Honors thesis is to explore The National School Lunch Program as a federally assisted meal program, which has been offered in both public and private schools since its inception in 1946. The goal of the program is to provide schoolchildren with healthy meals for all students who attend school. In addition, the role of the National School Lunch Program and the USDA is to financially assist those with adverse financial conditions or those that qualify. Determinating eligibility is an ongoing administrative responsibility because the cost of the program has considerably escalated over the years. Additionally, the U.S. Government is involved with school menu planning, requiring school administrators to follow strict dietary guidelines. A further review of such guidelines along with a survey of what schools offer in the way of food choices for schoolchildren was also explored. School meals have changed throughout the years transforming a one-meal offering into what resembles that of a shopping mall food court. It seems to be increasingly important to educate the schoolchildren about the importance of proper nutrition. It is actually the responsibility of the parents to be sure they educate their children in a way that they will choose meals that are healthy. Furthermore, it is important that less fortunate families apply for the aid needed to properly nurture their schoolchildren. Nonetheless, it is important that the National School Lunch Program continually qualify those that partake in the program.No embarg