[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