The National School Lunch Act 1970 - Present

After the revision in 1970 many more changes were ahead for the National School Lunch Program. In 1986 a revision stating that families who receive federal assistance such as Food Stamps, WIC, TANF or similar benefits are to automatically receive free or reduced-price lunches. Another change came in 1987 when the tuition limit was eliminated. Before 1987 schools whose tuition was about $1,500 were not allowed to participate in the NSLP. In 1989 The School Nutrition Association establishes National School Breakfast week to create awareness about breakfast being offered in school. In the early nineties supplemental meals were authorized for after school programs in elementary and secondary schools that participated in the NSLP. Then nutritional guidelines were set for meals served to children under the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act. These guidelines are issued in accordance with Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 1995 Congress tried to cut government spending by eliminating child nutrition programs. They tried but they did not succeed. In 1998, the NSLA was revised yet again, this time to authorize reimbursements to schools that provided supplemental snacks to their students during educational and after school programs. According to the USDA, in order for snacks to be reimbursed, the snack must contain at least two different components of the following:

Ð'* A serving of fluid milk

Ð'* A serving of meat or meat alternative

Ð'* A serving of vegetable(s) or fruit(s) or Ð''full strength' fruit or vegetable juice

Ð'* A serving of whole grain or enriched bread or cereal

How much of a reimbursement do schools get? In the 2003-2004 school year, schools were reimbursed $0.60 for free snacks, $0.30 for reduced-price snacks, and $0.05 for paid snacks.

Nutritional Guidelines are set using the Food Pyramid created by the USDA. The original Food Pyramid that I grew to know and love shows that we need per day; 6-11 servings of bread and grains, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of dairy products, 2-3 servings of meats or poultry, and fats oils and sweets we should use sparingly. In 1999 the USDA replaces the original Food Pyramid with the Ð''Children Pyramid.' The Children Pyramid is a food