A Historical Perspective
The roots of the school lunch program trace back to the Great Depression. During this time period, there were a lot of hungry children across the nation. School lunches began as a way to address hunger among children. That wasn’t the only motivation, however. They were also created as a way to support farmers through the Depression. The government bought food from farmers, which was used for the lunches across the country. Over time, the program evolved, becoming formalized through the National School Lunch Act signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. This is when President Truman famously said “No nation is healthier than its children or more prosperous than its farmers.” Initially, school lunches were prepared on-site with fresh ingredients, creating a wholesome and authentic dining experience.