Mathew Futch
Staff Reporter
School lunches have drastically changed over the past century to the fact that school lunches used to not even be provided. Like many things, school lunches have a history of how it has changed for the better or worst in the last century.
A website called blog.cheapism.com, will be providing this information for the passing years. The blog starts in the 1900s saying how kids were not provided school lunch, and instead set home to eat lunch or bought leftovers. The very few who stayed were sometimes provided with stew that the teachers would make.
In the 1910’s, school lunch studies were shown to improve students' mental and physical health. Volunteers from organizations such as Women's education associations, along with parents School lunches at this time were stew or soup provided with rice and sometimes bread. Even though this was a step further this was 3 cents per lunch, so it was encouraged to bring your own lunch.
In the 1920’s, school lunches were not often provided by parents anymore or associations, and instead got supplied through a Home economics class where they began having girls prepare school lunches. This concept was a start to school kitchen and school cafeteria staff. School lunches consisted of stew and bread still, but now offered boiled meat. Home lunches were now provided in a handkerchief which usually was just leftovers, potatoes chips, or pickles, making school lunches look more appetizing.
In the 1930’s, the federal government got involved in school lunches due to the Great Depression. The Great Depression caused there to be no food for school lunches so the government would buy farmers’ surpluses so that these could be turned into meals. This was our first time seeing hot meals in school lunches and farmers were helped also. Butter sandwiches, pork and seasonal items were now being seen in schools. The government started to emphasize the healthy part in school lunches. Where proteins, fruits and vegetables were a part of every meal.
In the 1940’s, every state federally funded schools with lunch programs to help kids be more healthy. Many problems of storage also began to arise as World War II started. Less funding meant less workers to keep these programs going, making many kids go hungry. In 1946, the National School Lunch Act was passed, requiring each state to provide school lunches whether it be buying or preparing them. Stewed fruits and chipped beef, along with boiled vegetables became low cost items on the menu with school lunches costing 15 cents.
1950’s school lunches became a main focus of many companies and the community. Schools set up full cafeterias where companies were offering contracts to profit from this new change. Hot lunches became more common then as dishes such as meatloaf and casseroles began to be offered. Cold lunches of course still offer such as sandwiches, or apple salad. Dessert was also begun to be offered dessert for school lunches. Lunch boxes also began to make an appearance in school that were themed after shows.
The 1960s lunch menu expands a lot more. Pizza and enchiladas as old meals are now considered classics such as sandwiches, meatloaf, and fish sticks. The food law Child Nutrition Act was signed. Low-income family's kids now were offered milk and school breakfasts. Companies also branded school lunch boxes even more but they were too expensive, and so, the brown bag became a common lunchbox for many families.
!970s fast food began entering the school cafeteria where meals cost 81 cents now and hamburgers, fried chicken, and french fries began to be on the menu. Vending companies also begin to make contracts with schools to bring chips and candy bars during this time. School lunch boxes began to be made metal to keep food temp inside the lunch box as bands started to be on lunch boxes.
1980s portions were cut by the government due to money. Less kids had access to food that provided the nutritional values. Lower quality foods begin to enter but still the same, but to make up for lack of vegetables and fruits. Ketchup was deemed a fruit. Home lunches became more popular though, still same mental ones but surgery candy and drinks begin to enter there lunches as Lunchables becomes a big hit in the United States.
1990s health no longer became a focus as childhood obesity rates began to shoot up. They reached for the bottom line of health, letting McDonald's and Little Caesars to provide food. Metal lunch boxes also were replaced with cheaper lunch boxes or the famous brown bag. String cheese gets introduced with Danimals, Dunkaroos, and more sugar and Lunchables stay strong in the packed lunch world.
By the 2000s vending machines started to make an appearance in schools. McDonald's remained in schools as Pepsi supplied the vending machines. Obesity rates shot higher and as schools saw this they began to scale back, offering healthier foods. Making Grilled cheese with fruits and vegetables a common dish for all students. Packed lunch got more snacks added to them, as things like Gushers, pudding, and homemade sandwiches became easier to buy and make. Interestingly, Lunchables still remain the most popular in packed lunches.
2010s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 passed in congress bringing focus on healthier options. Turkey hot dogs, fresh broccoli, roasted vegetables, and organic offering. Though this made prices go up a lot, into $2.18. Lunch boxes were vinyl or plastic. Vending machines began to be banned and were filled with bottled water. Packed lunches still consist of the same thing as chips making a comeback into them.
In today day we see how school lunches have a lot of healthy options. Of course, vending machines have made a comeback, but this is not necessarily bad as it gives students choices. Thermal containers are made to keep food warm all day and can now help students bring a variety of lunches to school. No matter how you eat lunch at school make sure to eat a balanced meal when possible!
Image Credit: www.wsls.com
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