Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 6.djvu/342

 114 STAT. 3398 PROCLAMATION 7355—OCT. 6, 2000 by keeping them alert and attentive in the classroom. As both common sense and extensive scientific research confirm, a himgry child cannot focus on schoolwork as well as one who has been fed a nutritious meal. The National School Lunch Program also offers us a valuable tool for identifying children who are eligible for health insurance under Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Since 60 percent of children who lack adequate health coverage participate in the school limch program, sharing eligibility information can improve our outreach efforts and bring us closer to our goal of universal health care for all of America's children. My proposed budget for fiscal 2001 sets aside $345 million over 10 years to help schools share information with Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insiirance Program so that we can enhance our efforts to reach eligible children and their families, hi addition, this summer I announced an initiative to expand the school lunch program to the developing worid. This initiative will make school lunches and breakfasts available in the poorest countries for the poorest children, helping students whose deficiencies in nutrition affect their cognitive development and attracting children who otherwise might never attend school. As we observe National School Limch Week this year, let us pay tribute to the thousands of State and local school food service professionals across America whose hard work and dedication make these programs a reality for our children; and let us acknowledge the important role school lunches play in the healthy development of so many students. In recognition of the contributions of the National School Lunch Program to the health, education, and well-being of our Nation's children, the Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87- 780), has designated the week beginning the second Simday in October of each year as "National School Limch Week" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 8 through October 14, 2000, as National School Limch Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize those individuals whose efforts contribute so much to the success of our national child nutrition programs, whether at the Federal, State, or local level. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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