    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8583--OCT. 8, 2010

    Proclamation 8583 of October 8, 2010
    National School Lunch Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    No child should have to learn on an empty stomach. Nearly 65 years ago,
    America made protecting the health of our children a national priority
    by developing the National School Lunch Program. This groundbreaking
    program has prevented hunger and promoted education by enabling our
    young people to have access to safe, balanced, and affordable meals at
    school. It has also supported their development, encouraged their
    learning capacity, and instilled life-long healthy habits. This year,
    during National School Lunch Week, we recognize the vital importance of
    this historic program, and we recommit to serving meals that will
    contribute to the health and well-being of a new generation.
    With more than 31 million children participating in the National School
    Lunch Program and more than 11 million in the School Break-

    [[Page 4716]]

    fast Program, good nutrition at school is more vital than ever. When one
    in three children in this country is overweight or obese, we all have a
    responsibility to make sure our kids receive good nutrition at school
    and learn to make healthy choices early in life. This is an essential
    part of First Lady Michelle Obama's ``Let's Move!'' initiative, which is
    a nationwide campaign dedicated to ending the epidemic of childhood
    obesity within a generation so that children can reach adulthood at a
    healthy weight.
    To foster school environments that encourage physical activity and
    nourishing diets, ``Let's Move!'' is partnering with the United States
    Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the number of schools that
    participate in the HealthierUS School Challenge. The Challenge
    establishes rigorous standards for nutritional quality in school food,
    participation in meal programs, physical activity, and nutrition
    education--all key components that make for healthy, active children.
    Chefs across America are also helping create nutritious and appealing
    school meals. Over 1,900 have volunteered to offer their unique talents
    and knowledge of food and nutrition to ``Chefs Move to Schools,'' an
    initiative that pairs chefs with interested schools in their
    communities. Together, chefs and school administrators are creating
    wholesome meals while teaching young people about nutrition and making
    balanced, healthy choices. I invite all Americans to visit LetsMove.gov
    to learn more about this initiative and other strategies to raise a
    healthier generation of kids.
    To provide more fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and nutritious foods
    for school meals, the USDA is also working to develop farm-to-school
    partnerships with local farmers, States, localities, tribal authorities,
    school districts, and community organizations. The USDA Farm to School
    Team is helping to provide quality foods in school menus, to increase
    markets for local farms, and to teach young people of all ages about the
    source of the food they enjoy. To enable school cafeterias across our
    Nation to prepare these healthy foods, the American Recovery and
    Reinvestment Act funded the purchase of new food service equipment such
    as salad bars, and the replacement of aging or outdated appliances such
    as deep fryers.
    This week provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the critical
    role the National School Lunch Program plays in promoting the health and
    well-being of tomorrow's leaders. We also recognize the talent and
    dedication of all the food service professionals, educators, program
    administrators, and parents whose time and energy help ensure America's
    students have the healthy food necessary to grow and succeed.
    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 each year as ``National School Lunch Week,'' and has
    requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this
    week.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through October 16,
    2010, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join
    the dedicated individuals who administer the National School Lunch
    Program in appropriate activities that support the health and well-being
    of our Nation's children.

    [[Page 4717]]

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA