Poverty In The 1920's

Robert Hunter wrote a book called Poverty in 1904, which had a major sway on the United States to feed hungry, needy children in school .On a national scale, rural schools had difficulty with children having to travel so far to school that their sandwich would be cold. In the schools there was no room for setting up a kitchen and dining area.

In the early 1900’s efforts were made to warm certain food that was brought from the children homes or the students would prepare the hot food. Public resources were not available, so students took turns cooking food before the morning lesson began. Sometimes using the big pots would also heat the school room.

In 1914, in Florida a health officer was trying a test trial at the school to see what outcome would come out of a program which offered a half pint of milk a day served with the children meals. To get the plan underway a large white cow was placed on the playground with posters clarifying what was being bade. The children served their own milk. The program was very successful. The health officer suggested that they serve a bowl of soup to the children with milk. (Gunderson)

The meat, potatoes, and utensils were contributed by the mothers. The vegetables, which were produced in the school garden were provided by the principal. Under this organization, the school lunch program expanded during the 1920’s. In 1946, President Harry Truman signed the National School Lunch Program measure of serving the welfare of children for better nutrition. President Lyndon Johnson extended the program in 1966 by proposing breakfast. Public and non-profit private schools, in 1975 were offered to all