School Nutrition Association Celebrates National School Lunch Week; Week of October 11-15 Recognizes Efforts of Dedicated School Nutrition Professionals

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2004--The School Nutrition Association, formerly the American School Food Service Association, will celebrate National School Lunch Week October 11-15 with the theme "Reach Your Peak With School Lunch". The week, which started in 1963 with a proclamation from President John F. Kennedy, is designed to raise awareness of the importance of school foodservice and nutrition.

"As the only association devoted exclusively to protecting children's health and well-being through proper nutrition, we educate parents, children, media and communities about nutrition during National School Lunch Week and throughout the year," SNA President Karen Johnson said. "We know firsthand the childhood obesity crisis in this country, and we are dedicated to providing healthy meal options and sound nutrition education to students across the country."

“We know firsthand the childhood obesity crisis in this country, and we are dedicated to providing healthy meal options and sound nutrition education to students across the country.”

SNA's efforts to combat childhood obesity include nutritious menu options and appropriate portion control. Children who participate in the National School Lunch Program consume twice the servings of fruits and vegetables and greater amounts of grains and dairy than children who eat lunch brought from home. Meals served as part of the National School Lunch Program are provided in age-appropriate serving sizes.

"Schools are one of the last places in the country where you can purchase a meal with the recommended serving size," Johnson said. "Our members have the expertise to provide appropriate portions of well-balanced, nutritious meals that taste good."

The "Reach Your Peak with School Lunch" theme of National School Lunch Week is reflected in special menu offerings, nutrition fairs and guest speakers planned for the week.

The School Nutrition Association, www.schoolnutrition.org, (formerly ASFSA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. The Association and its members are dedicated to feeding children safe and nutritious meals. Founded in 1946, SNA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children's health and well being through school meals and sound nutrition education.