American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 6, 172-179, Copyright © 1958 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

The Physician's Role in the School Lunch Program

¹ Head Public Health Nutritionist, County of Los Angeles Health Department, Los Angeles, California

Although there has been a great increase in the number of school lunch programs in the last years, it is probable that less than half of the nation's school children regularly eat adequate lunches. A good meal may be provided in other ways but the school lunch offers opportunities to teach the principles of nutrition, to learn acceptance of a good lunch, and to acquire a taste for many foods. It also provides a channel for the improvement of family food habits.

Facilities for the school lunch should be provided on the same basis as facilities for other educational programs. The price children pay for lunch should cover only the cost of the food with funds for labor provided from other sources. Financial support for some schools may be obtained from the Federal School Lunch Program which is administered in each state by the state educational agency.

The major objectives of the school lunch are to serve a nutritionally adequate meal and to provide a setting for nutrition education. These objectives can best be achieved when those immediately responsible for the lunch have the support and help of community leaders.

Physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other professional persons can play a key role in interpretation of the objectives of the school lunch and in analysis of its needs and solution of its problems. Support may be provided through individual contacts and through activities in professional and civic groups.