REVISION OF FEDERAL FREE AND REDUCED-LUNCH PROGRAM GUIDELINES

WHEREAS, the health and welfare of America's children is of utmost importance; and

WHEREAS, many of our children do not receive adequate nutrition at home; and

WHEREAS, school cafeteria meals prepared and served under current federal guidelines are not appealing and palatable to many children, offer no choice, and result in much waste due to students eating only a small portion of what they must take; and

WHEREAS, this waste is a strain on already tight budgets; and

WHEREAS, deviating from federal guidelines results in loss of federal revenue to the school program:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers seek review of the federal guidelines for Free and Reduced-Lunch Program for modification (1) to allow schools to serve foods more appealing to children; and (2) to allow schools to provide selections of foods from which children may choose ensuring that selected meals will be eaten.