[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 2006)]
[Pages 1755-1756]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8064--National School Lunch Week, 2006

 October 5, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    For 60 years, the National School Lunch Program has contributed to 
the health and well-being of America's youth. National School Lunch Week 
highlights the many achievements of the National School Lunch Program 
and the importance of helping children develop good nutrition habits.
    Eating healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle are vital 
for children's health and reduce their risk of serious long-term health 
problems, such as obesity, asthma, and diabetes. The National School 
Lunch Program, part of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), provides more than 29 million children with healthy meals each 
day. The program raises awareness about the importance of good food 
choices and trains food service professionals to prepare nutritious 
breakfasts, lunches, and snacks that include foods rich in vitamins, 
minerals, and fiber. In addition, the USDA offers educational resources 
for school nutrition directors, managers, and staff based on the 
requirements for healthy school meals established in the Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans. By promoting good nutrition and exercise, 
schools can help children develop well-balanced diets and lead healthier 
lives.
    During National School Lunch Week, we recognize dedicated parents, 
school officials, community leaders, and food service professionals for 
their efforts to ensure that our children are provided with nutritious 
meals each day.
    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),

[[Page 1756]]

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 the week of October 8 through October 14, 
2006, 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 fifth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 10, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 11.