[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3719
 
PROCLAMATION 8436--OCT. 9, 2009

Proclamation 8436 of October 9, 2009
National School Lunch Week, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every young American deserves access to a wholesome, nutritious lunch.
These meals prevent hunger and give our children the energy and
nourishment they need to grow into healthy, productive adults. Since
1946, the National School Lunch Program has helped to protect the health
and well-being of our children by providing them with balanced, low-cost
or free lunches throughout the school year. This week, we renew our
commitment to serving healthy meals that will prepare our next
generation of leaders to learn and thrive.
The National School Lunch Program serves more than 31 million students
every school day at over 100,000 schools across our Nation. These meals
can be an important source of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy
products, containing essential nutrients to meet the demands of a
growing child. For many schoolchildren, it will be their most nutritious
meal-sometimes their only meal-of the day. This program can also teach
children about the importance of good eating habits, which is vital to
our Nation's fight against childhood obesity. In the coming months, my
Administration will continue our partnership with Federal, State, and
local leaders to strengthen the National School Lunch Program. We must
work together to remove barriers that prevent some eligible children
from receiving meals, and update nutrition standards to reflect the
latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Academic success requires hard work and concentration. Students
distracted by hunger cannot match the focus of their peers. Poorly
nourished students are also more likely to become ill, and miss class
more frequently. During National School Lunch Week, we honor all those
who make the National School Lunch Program possible, including
government and school officials, food service professionals, farmers,
and parents. By ensuring that every child, regardless of background or
family income, is properly fed at school, we secure a brighter future
for each of them and for America.
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 each year as ``National School Lunch Week,'' and has
requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this
week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 11 through October 17,
2009, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join
the dedicated individuals who 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 ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Inde-

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123 STAT. 3720

pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA