Apr 18th 2008, 17:03

Healthy State-Sponsored Lunches for Kids

It's only natural for any parent to be anxious about what their kids are eating, or whether the food served in the school cafeteria is nutritious or filling enough. This is an even bigger health concern for households that don't have enough money for good food, since inadequate nutrition can stunt a child's physical and mental growth. To address this problem, the U.S. Department of Agriculture set up a National School Lunch Program that aims to provide nutritious lunches to children at low prices, or even for free!

The program is already being carried out in public and nonprofit private schools, as well as in residential child care institutions. Although any child in a participating school can buy his or her meal through the National School Lunch Program, only kids from needy families are allowed to receive free lunches. Other kids are eligible for discounted meals, as long as their family's income is between 130% and 185% below the state poverty level.

Children can also avail of after-school snacks, for which the same income eligibility guidelines apply. For schools where at least half of the student population is from low-income households, the school can opt to serve all the snacks free of charge. Filling up on wholesome meals has never been so friendly on the budget! Find out more about the program by contacting the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the nearest State agency in your area that offers Child Nutrition Programs.

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

1. Increase Your Income:
   
   Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.
2. Consolidate Your Bills:
   Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
3. Reward Yourself:
   Get a new computer for free.
4. Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
   Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
5. Bargain prices on government auctions
   Discounts on foreclosed property, liquidations, surplus items