By contrast with other education and school service programs, the school lunch is new. Like any other new program, time is required to work out in detail its proper placement in the school organization, its exact functions in relation to the total school program, and the characteristics which tend to make it a part of the educational program, yet set it apart as a school service. This study contains, in considerable detail, information relative to the types of State laws which enable the State departments of education to participate in the National School Lunch Program and the varying forms of school lunch organizations which exist within the State departments of education. The school lunch program has not yet reached the stage of development where it is available to all children and youth enrolled in the schools of this country. It is hoped that the publication and distribution of this report will help the State departments of education to strengthen their school lunch programs. Two appendixes present: (1) Excerpts from State School Lunch Laws; and (2) Selected State School Lunch Laws. (Contains 4 tables and 5 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]