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Story
September 4, 1943
Jackson Advocate
Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
Article advocates for greater participation in the U.S. free lunch program for Negro school children in an unnamed state during 1943-44, noting low application rates despite nutritional needs amid rationing. Urges immediate action by educators and parents.
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Full Text
Negro School Children And The Free Lunch Program
A few weeks ago the U. S. Department of Agriculture announced that the free lunch program for school children would be continued through the 1943-44 school year. This program during its operation in times of normal food supply proved to be of the greatest value in providing a large number of children throughout the nation, with milk, and other nutritious foods, each day, while in school. A greater percent of whom would have otherwise been unable to obtain those foods, in such quantity, which are so vital an element in the physical, as well as mental and spiritual development of children.
Last year a high state official connected with the administration of the free lunch program in the state, in a speech at Jackson College, revealing the number of Negro schools in the state participating in the program, announced a percentage, so small as compared to the number of Negro school children, to have amounted almost to a charge of gross negligence on the part of the principals, parents, and those upon whom rest the responsibility for instituting such a program.
Up to last week, according to a most reliable source of information, only one Negro Principal in the entire state had applied for the free lunch program for his school. With a school of some 800 pupils, when asked about the number of children thought to be in need of this assistance he is reported to have indicated the entire enrollment, all of whom were certified and will receive the benefits of the program. It would indeed be hard to find a Negro child of primary school age in the state who do not need, and one who would not be greatly benefited by the free lunch program. With respects to the children, what is true in this case, would be also true with every school in the state.
In such times as now exist regarding food rationing, the free lunch program should be of far greater value than in normal times in making available to school children the vital nutritious foods and milks, which, under the rationing program might be as readily available to them in their homes. With the opening of the schools in the state only a few days off, the principals, parents, teachers, and others in the various communities in the state should go into this matter at once so as to provide these lunches for the greatest possible number of Negro School Children.
A few weeks ago the U. S. Department of Agriculture announced that the free lunch program for school children would be continued through the 1943-44 school year. This program during its operation in times of normal food supply proved to be of the greatest value in providing a large number of children throughout the nation, with milk, and other nutritious foods, each day, while in school. A greater percent of whom would have otherwise been unable to obtain those foods, in such quantity, which are so vital an element in the physical, as well as mental and spiritual development of children.
Last year a high state official connected with the administration of the free lunch program in the state, in a speech at Jackson College, revealing the number of Negro schools in the state participating in the program, announced a percentage, so small as compared to the number of Negro school children, to have amounted almost to a charge of gross negligence on the part of the principals, parents, and those upon whom rest the responsibility for instituting such a program.
Up to last week, according to a most reliable source of information, only one Negro Principal in the entire state had applied for the free lunch program for his school. With a school of some 800 pupils, when asked about the number of children thought to be in need of this assistance he is reported to have indicated the entire enrollment, all of whom were certified and will receive the benefits of the program. It would indeed be hard to find a Negro child of primary school age in the state who do not need, and one who would not be greatly benefited by the free lunch program. With respects to the children, what is true in this case, would be also true with every school in the state.
In such times as now exist regarding food rationing, the free lunch program should be of far greater value than in normal times in making available to school children the vital nutritious foods and milks, which, under the rationing program might be as readily available to them in their homes. With the opening of the schools in the state only a few days off, the principals, parents, teachers, and others in the various communities in the state should go into this matter at once so as to provide these lunches for the greatest possible number of Negro School Children.
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Advocacy
Educational Reform
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Justice
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Free Lunch Program
Negro School Children
Nutrition Assistance
Racial Disparity
School Principals
Food Rationing
Where did it happen?
The State
Story Details
Location
The State
Event Date
1943 44 School Year
Story Details
The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues the free lunch program for school children through 1943-44. Low participation in Negro schools highlighted, with only one principal applying despite widespread need. Urges principals, parents, and teachers to act before schools open to benefit Negro children amid food rationing.