[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8888--OCT. 12, 2012

Proclamation 8888 of October 12, 2012

National School Lunch Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our children are the key to America's success in the 21st century, and
it is incumbent upon us all to ensure they have the resources they need
to reach their greatest potential--including access to healthy meals at
school. During National School Lunch Week, we recognize all those whose
dedicated work and care make good nutrition a reality for our sons and
daughters.
Our students deserve the best possible chance to live healthy,
productive lives. Since the National School Lunch Program was founded
over six decades ago, schools have served over 200 billion lunches that
have

[[Page 2677]]


helped generations of children achieve in the classroom and grow
into our country's next generation of leaders. This school year, the
program will carry that legacy forward by providing nutritious meals for
tens of millions of students every day. These meals are a vital source
of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and nutritious foods for our
Nation's young people. Through efforts like First Lady Michelle Obama's
Let's Move! initiative, we are continuing to bring together stakeholders
at every level of government, in the private sector, and throughout our
communities to ensure more children have access to the healthy,
affordable food they need to learn and grow.
Soon after President Harry Truman signed the National School Lunch Act
in 1946, he reminded us that ``nothing is more important in our national
life than the welfare of our children, and proper nourishment comes
first in attaining this welfare.'' This week, we thank the countless
individuals who make our children's well-being their highest priority,
and celebrate the National School Lunch Program as a foundation for
their success in the years to come.
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 14 through October 20,
2012, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA