Food and Nutrition Service
HomeAbout School MealsWhat's NewHelpContact USEn Espanol

 

 


  

Search all USDA
Search Tips
Search Tips
Email Updates
 

Sign-up to receive free email updates



Applications
Income Eligibility Guidelines
Reimbursement Rates
Legislation
Regulations
Program Policy
Guidance
CN Labeling
Food Safety
School Nutrition
Grants
Research & Reports
Disaster Assistance
National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program
Background and Development 

By Gordon W. Gunderson

STATE LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMS

"By 1937,15 States had passed laws specifically authorizing local school boards to operate lunchrooms. Although the laws commonly authorized the serving of meals at cost, usually the cost of the food only, four States made special provisions for needy children. In Indiana (for cities of over 300,000 inhabitants -Indianapolis was the only one), and in Vermont, the boards were authorized to furnish lunch without cost to poor children, and in Missouri (for cities over 500,000 -St. Louis was the only one), and Wisconsin at less than cost prices.”  25

25

The Bureau of Agricultural Economics, USDA, The School Lunch Program and Agricultural Surplus Disposal, Miscellaneous Publications No. 467, October 1941.

 

Last modified: 01/29/2013