[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 40 (Monday, October 10, 2005)]
[Pages 1515-1516]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7942--National School Lunch Week, 2005

 October 7, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Since 1946, the National School Lunch Program has contributed to the 
welfare of our Nation's youth and the academic mission of our schools. 
Each year during National School Lunch Week, we recognize this valuable 
program and highlight the continuing importance of providing America's 
children with access to nutritious meals.
    Today, nearly 100,000 public and private schools and residential 
child care institutions are implementing the National School Lunch 
Program, providing fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and other 
nutritious food choices to an average of 29 million children each

[[Page 1516]]

school day. The School Breakfast Program and the availability of after-
school snacks as part of the School Lunch Program give children 
additional opportunities to receive a more wholesome diet.
    Through the National School Lunch Program, school officials and food 
service professionals continue to demonstrate their dedication to our 
Nation's youth. To support these efforts, the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's Team Nutrition provides important nutrition education 
programs for children and technical training programs for food service 
professionals to assist them in preparing healthy school lunches. The 
National School Lunch Program also supports the HealthierUS School 
Challenge, an initiative that recognizes schools and local communities 
for actively promoting healthy lifestyles. By encouraging healthy eating 
habits and access to nutritious food, we are helping America's young 
people succeed in school, and we are helping protect them against 
childhood obesity, diabetes, and the risk of other serious health 
problems later in life.
    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 9 through October 15, 2005, 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 seventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:18 a.m., October 12, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 13.