Criticizes the federal regulations that encourage waste and cheating in the school lunch program. (IRT)

Despite a favorable nationwide evaluation of school nutrition programs, budget cuts have forced 3,000 schools to shut down their lunch programs. The American School Food Service Association has organized an effective campaign to forestall additional cuts and reestablish program support. (MLF)

Realizing that custodians needed help with cafeteria cleanup and lunchtime discipline, a Michigan elementary school developed a Custodial Assistant Program enlisting the energies of 12 fifth and sixth graders who needed help in improving self-concept and behavior. In exchange for cleaning the cafeteria and playground, these students receive many…

For educationally sound reasons (providing time to unwind, use the media center, or collaborate on projects), a 1,000-student high school successfully converted three short lunch periods to a 50-minute one. Since only upperclassmen could use the cafeteria for the first 10 minutes, impromptu eating areas developed. (MLH)

Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia, runs a food service operation responsible for serving 100,000 student lunches at 179 school locations each day. In addition, meals are provided by contractual agreement to day care centers and private schools. The budget process is explained and illustrated with a chart. (MLF)

A school lunch promotional kit was developed to enable lunch managers to integrate lunchroom activities with the classroom, home, and community. Data from 1743 students indicated that schools using the kit significantly increased school lunch participation and that students were more willing to taste nutritious food. (JN)

Effective in September 1983 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires schools to document and verify income information from three percent or 3,000 students approved for subsidized lunches. While there is some flexibility in confirming eligibility, schools must provide evidence of income levels. Outlined are the types of…

Designed to meet the needs of children who have no other means of receiving nutritious meals during the summer months, the summer food program operates out of schools, churches, playgrounds, parks--facilities which can demonstrate that they have the capability to serve wholesome meals and snacks to children in needy areas. (Author/NQ)

Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been offering schools more fresh fruits and vegetables through the commodities program. Despite problems in delivering perishable food in good condition, food directors are supporting the program. However, two new free-trade agreements and the Republican-led Congress may change the…

Open-campus policies can devastate school lunch programs. Some school systems compete with fast-food outlets by offering similar menus; others hire private contractors to construct mall-like food courts. Several Colorado and California school districts have devised innovative programs to halt lunchtime flight without sacrificing nutrition. A…

Today the National School Lunch Program is serving nutritious meals to nearly 24 million children in about 90,000 schools. Among the measures taken to improve the program are food procurement workshops, recipe card testing, and improvement in commodity purchase selections for schools. (MLF)

Describes a project which: (1) compared cost and nutritive value of six student lunches (type A school lunch, a-la-carte school lunch, lunch at home, vended lunch, fast-food lunch, and brown bag lunch); (2) used findings to make recommendations for improving student lunches; and (3) developed graduate student assessment/research skills. (JN)

To offset federal subsidy cutbacks, climbing food costs, and increasing wage demands, a Missouri school district hired a food management company. The district not only saved money, but also realized a profit, served more nutritious meals, needed less in-house recordkeeping, and concentrated more energy on education. (MLH)

Aseptic packages and the advantages of their use in schools are outlined. (MD)

A staff member of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service summarizes the history, cost, and benefits of the federal school nutrition programs and explains that schools must now verify information on a small sample of applications for free and reduced-price meals. (MLF)