This paper describes the early history, present status, and future trends of the Bureau of School Lunches of the New York City Board of Education. A review of its early history indicates that although various citizen groups and the Department of Welfare served lunches to needy children prior to 1946, it was the passage of the National School Lunch Act in 1946 that institutionalized the concept of feeding lunches to all children in school. In the 30 years since the Bureau was founded there has been a six fold increase in the average daily number of lunches served. Newly passed New York State legislation will require the New York City School System to offer breakfast in every school beginning in the fall of 1977. By 1980, a 26% increase in food service is anticipated as a result of the expansion of the breakfast and school lunch service and the addition of summer lunches. In addition, an experimental "fast food" operation is being started in two New York City High Schools. It is scheduled to start in September of 1977. Two major issues face the Bureau of School Lunches. The first deals with expenditures and the second deals with the quality of the school lunches. It is of primary importance that the meals be nutritous and that they be accepted and eaten by the children. In order to provide quality meals and maintain minimal costs, action must be taken in three major areas: management systems, operating systems, and food service systems. (Author/AM)