Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4742

 124 STAT. 4716 PROCLAMATION 8583—OCT. 8, 2010 fast Program, good nutrition at school is more vital than ever. When one in three children in this country is overweight or obese, we all have a responsibility to make sure our kids receive good nutrition at school and learn to make healthy choices early in life. This is an essen- tial part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘‘Let’s Move!’’ initiative, which is a nationwide campaign dedicated to ending the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation so that children can reach adult- hood at a healthy weight. To foster school environments that encourage physical activity and nourishing diets, ‘‘Let’s Move!’’ is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the number of schools that participate in the HealthierUS School Challenge. The Challenge es- tablishes rigorous standards for nutritional quality in school food, par- ticipation in meal programs, physical activity, and nutrition edu- cation—all key components that make for healthy, active children. Chefs across America are also helping create nutritious and appealing school meals. Over 1,900 have volunteered to offer their unique talents and knowledge of food and nutrition to ‘‘Chefs Move to Schools,’’ an initiative that pairs chefs with interested schools in their communities. Together, chefs and school administrators are creating wholesome meals while teaching young people about nutrition and making bal- anced, healthy choices. I invite all Americans to visit LetsMove.gov to learn more about this initiative and other strategies to raise a healthier generation of kids. To provide more fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and nutritious foods for school meals, the USDA is also working to develop farm-to-school partnerships with local farmers, States, localities, tribal authorities, school districts, and community organizations. The USDA Farm to School Team is helping to provide quality foods in school menus, to increase markets for local farms, and to teach young people of all ages about the source of the food they enjoy. To enable school cafeterias across our Nation to prepare these healthy foods, the American Recov- ery and Reinvestment Act funded the purchase of new food service equipment such as salad bars, and the replacement of aging or out- dated appliances such as deep fryers. This week provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the critical role the National School Lunch Program plays in promoting the health and well-being of tomorrow’s leaders. We also recognize the talent and dedication of all the food service professionals, educators, program ad- ministrators, and parents whose time and energy help ensure Amer- ica’s students have the healthy food necessary to grow and succeed. The Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87– 780), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as ‘‘National School Lunch Week,’’ and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through October 16, 2010, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join the dedicated individuals who administer the Na- tional School Lunch Program in appropriate activities that support the health and well-being of our Nation’s children.