This week marks National School Lunch Week, when we spotlight the role schools play in helping combat childhood hunger and recognize the dedication of our food service workers fighting that battle.

The National School Lunch Program was established in 1946 to provide nutritious meals to children who might not otherwise have access to a daily meal. The program expanded to include breakfast, again recognizing that providing all students with the fuel their minds and bodies need to grow is vital.

National School Lunch Week was created in 1962 to publicize the fact that hunger can keep kids from learning and to emphasize the important role schools play in providing healthy, nutritious food to students.