Light

Child Nutrition Act

Definition

The Child Nutrition Act is a United States federal law signed on October 11, 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Act was created as a response to concerns that many American children were malnourished and not receiving adequate amounts of food at home or school.

Analogy

Think of the Child Nutrition Act like a safety net for kids' meals. Just like how a safety net in a trapeze act catches any performer who falls, this act ensures that no child falls through the cracks when it comes to getting nutritious meals, especially in schools.

Related terms

School Lunch Program: This is one of the programs established by the Child Nutrition Act. It provides low-cost or free lunches to children in public and nonprofit private schools across America.

Food Stamps (SNAP): Another program aimed at combating hunger, but this one helps families directly by providing them with funds specifically for buying food.

Malnutrition: This term refers to the condition that results from eating a diet which does not supply enough nutrients or supplies too much of certain nutrients. The Child Nutrition Act was designed to combat malnutrition among American children.