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)

"Kids Count in Colorado!" is an annual publication of the Children's Campaign, providing state and county level data on child well-being factors including child health, education, and economic status. Since its first release 20 years ago, "Kids Count in Colorado!" has become the most trusted source for data and information on…

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)

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…

In a more consistent and viable manner than ever before, education in Alabama is moving toward its ultimate goal of providing every student with a quality education, thereby preparing them for work, college, and life after high school. Alabama's graduation rates from 2002 to 2008 increased significantly, tripling the national average increase and…

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)

Noting that sending information about children's health insurance through the school system is a very effective way to generate applications and enrollment for state health insurance programs, this issue brief is the first in a series to examine some of the innovative methods used to offer more children affordable health care. The brief presents a…

An update on the National School Lunch Program includes a list of some of the changes and innovations in types, quality, and packaging of commodity products provided to schools. (MLF)

Published annually since 1997, Newark Kids Count tracks key trends in child health and well-being in New Jersey's largest city with the latest statistics available. Newark Kids Count includes the latest statistics, along with five-year trend data, in the following areas: population and demographics, family economic security, affordable housing,…