WHEREAS, the National School Lunch Program has served our nation admirably for 75 years through advanced practices and nutrition education; and

WHEREAS, the National School Lunch program is dedicated to the health and academic achievement of our nation’s children; and

WHEREAS, recent research shows students are receiving their healthiest meals at school, but there is evidence of continued need for nutrition education and awareness of the value of school nutrition programs; and

WHEREAS, according to Feeding America, one in five Maine children experiences food insecurity; and

WHEREAS, starting in the current school year, the State of Maine is fully funding universal school meals in the School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, ensuring that all Maine public school students have equal access to school meal programs; and

WHEREAS, by making this historic investment in our children, the State of Maine is one of the first states in the nation to provide school meals at no cost to all public school students; and

WHEREAS, providing students with access to free, nutritious meals at school ensures they are engaged and ready to learn;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10th through October 14th as

National School Meals Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all residents to become aware of the benefits of the National School Lunch Program.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this third day of October Two Thousand Twenty-Two