    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7719 of October 10, 2003

    National School Lunch Week, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Over the last 57 years, the National School Lunch Program has provided
    more than 187 billion meals to young people across our country. During
    National School Lunch Week, we recognize the importance that good
    nutrition plays in the health of our children and in the development of
    good eating habits and healthy lifestyles.
    By helping our children make healthy choices not only about food but
    also about their overall well-being, we can reduce the rates of
    childhood obesity and diabetes and help prevent heart disease, stroke,
    and other diseases later in life. Nutritious meals can also improve
    students' concentration and help them succeed in school.
    As part of the National School Lunch Program, the Department of
    Agriculture's Team Nutrition advises school food service professionals
    on how to prepare healthy meals for children. Team Nutrition also
    provides nutrition programs for children, families, and communities to
    illustrate the link between diet and health. Today, more than 99,000
    schools and childcare centers are educating young people about good
    eating habits. They are also helping to feed our Nation's needy children
    through the National School Lunch Program. For many students, low-cost
    or free school meals are sometimes the only nutritious food they eat.
    Over the years, the dedication of school officials, food service
    professionals, parents, and community leaders has helped to expand

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    the National School Lunch Program to include breakfast, after-school
    snacks, milk breaks, and summer food programs.
    In recognition of the contributions of the National School Lunch Program
    to the health, education, and well-being of America's children, the
    Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87-780), as
    amended, has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in
    October of each year as ``National School Lunch Week'' and has requested
    the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim October 12 through October 18, 2003, as
    National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join the
    dedicated individuals who administer the National School Lunch Program
    at the State and local levels in appropriate activities to promote
    programs that support the health and well-being of our Nation's
    children.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH