Government Lunches: A Foundation Crumbled
"You aren't you when you're hungry." The slogan of the popular Snickers bar has captured the reason school lunches were created, because without proper nutrition, the distraction of hunger can be an obstacle to focused learning. School lunches have been a controversial topic ever since its inception during World War II, when "many young men had been rejected from the draft due to medical conditions caused by childhood malnutrition" ("The History of the School Lunch Program"). Over the years, the program has undergone many bills and amendments, expanding on the original foundation laid by President Truman. Many would argue that most of these changes have been positive and have lead to dramatic health improvements in children. However, conditions surrounding the program, such as the rising obesity epidemic and evolving food preparation techniques, have empowered the government to tighten its grip on participating schools. Restrictions involving the National School Lunch Program are not benefiting the students
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Solving the problem of public health would increase students' opportunities not only in the classroom. Eating right will improve moods, academic learning, and lifestyle, thus solving the domino affect which can alter a child's day. To maintain support of the School Lunch Program, the government needs follow the leadership of Dr. Harriet Hall: Education trumps Regulation. The world is entering a time where public health is a complex issue. As the obesity crisis demands immediate attention, we, as a people, cannot pick any solution that comes to mind. The path to benefiting the students is to fight society's unhealthy norms and return to our basic roots of homegrown food. By doing so, students will walk out of lunch guided by their customized Snickers slogan, "School lunch