Since 1946, millions of American kids have taken advantage of the federally funded National School Lunch Program. But despite all the good it’s done in feeding growing bodies and minds, this partnership among farmers, schools and the USDA is fraught with controversy: Too much of a good thing…or a bad thing? At the end of the day, who benefits…and who loses?
This coming Wednesday, October 12, Bellarmine University will screen the documentary Lunch Line, followed by a panel discussion of the history of school lunch, the advances local schools are making, and what you can do to help all children have healthier food.
Despite the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act last year, there has been intense lobbying to have Congress make changes to the act. Nationally, the PTA organization is asking Congress not to stand in the way of healthier school lunches. “Child hunger was acknowledged as a barrier to school success in the 1800s, with significant food programs emerging all over the country at the turn of the last century,” Bellarmine education professor Dr. Kathleen Cooter explains. Today, “there are significant changes proposed or in place that will affect farmers.”
Panelists include Jefferson County public school board member Steve Imhoff, Kentucky Farm to School director Tina Garland, JCPS food service Director Julia Bauscher, Louisville Metro Health and Wellness Community health specialist Patrick Rich, and Dr. Cooter.
The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Frazier Hall on the Bellarmine campus. The event is free, but reservations are required. Call the Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education at 272-8191 to secure your spot in line.
Lunch Line from uji films on Vimeo.
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Photo: Lunch Line
