[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 40 (Monday, October 13, 2008)]
[Pages 1327-1328]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation--National School Lunch Week, 2008

 October 10, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National School Lunch Week, we underscore the importance of 
providing America's children with access to nutritious meals and helping 
them develop good eating habits through the National School Lunch 
Program.
    The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal 
program administered by the Department of Agriculture's Food and 
Nutrition Service in cooperation with State agencies. Since 1946, the 
National School Lunch Program has served more than 187 billion lunches 
to students across America. The program is designed to ensure that each 
day millions of children are receiving the healthy food necessary to 
succeed by providing access to nutritious low-cost or free meals. By 
serving well-balanced meals that are lower in fat and have plenty of 
fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, this program helps children 
learn healthy eating habits, reduce their risk of serious health 
problems, and perform better in the classroom.
    Throughout National School Lunch Week, we recognize the school 
officials and parents who encourage young people to develop good eating 
habits. We also thank the dedicated food service professionals who serve 
our children healthy foods each day at school.
    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 the week of October 12 through October 
18, 2008, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to 
join the dedicated individuals who

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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 tenth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: At the time of publication, this proclamation had not been 
received by the Office of the Federal Register for assignment of a 
proclamation number.