GOVERNOR PROMOTES SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed October 15-19, 2007 as National School Lunch Week in Tennessee. School systems across the state will provide fun and educational activities for Tennessee’s children in an effort to raise awareness about eating healthy, nutritious meals.

 

“National School Lunch Week is a reminder that proper nutrition is a vital piece of healthy living and success in school,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “Governor Bredesen is furthering this message in Tennessee with actions like launching the Get Fit TN campaign and encouraging health care coverage for young people under the CoverKids program.”

 

With children’s nutrition being a prominent U.S. health concern, the events and activities during School Lunch Week seek to educate parents and students on the healthy meal options and nutrition education programs available in schools.

 

“We’re fortunate to have the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which feeds more than 600,000 Tennessee children every school day,” said Sarah White, Director of School Nutrition. “For some children, this lunch is their most nutritious, if not their only, meal of the day.”

 

Students across the nation are invited to participate in “Vote for School Lunch” by visiting www.VoteForSchoolLunch.org. Parents and community members can help celebrate National School Lunch Week with a local school by volunteering in a school cafeteria or visiting your child’s school to eat lunch.

 

National School Lunch Week is sponsored by the School Nutrition Association, which provides education and training; certification; and professional standards for school nutrition professionals.

 

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.