The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-21

ties in almost all states since lesd January, whe nit was first authcr- ized. Experience gained by FLA during these months has set tls batter nto be followed, on a larger scale.
 ''In the immediate period ahes (. when we are facing shortages of some foods, we need to make doub y sure that children are not over- looked said MT. Maben. ''Ti e health of this Nations children is 3 resource that warrants special pro- lection. and we can help proviGe this protection, by making sure that children's nutritional needs ara met" he said. Mir Maben explained that Congress recognized this when it authorized the expenditure of up to fifty million dollars to carry on the School Lunch program dur in gthe coming school year.
 Funds are available to schools and child care centers in the States principally on the basis of State school enrolment and the States past participation in the School Lunch program.
 60% of Food Cost
 While under the new plan the Government will pay approximate ly 60 per cent of the food cost, the equipment, labor, and supervision must be furnished by State and local agencies or civic groups.
 Foods going into three types of I,,. Il. Lo It-G q rates ranging from two to nine cents for each meal, depending on the type served. Type A is a com- plete meal including all of the items necessary for balanced lunch. Type B has smaller portions of these same foods and is less adequate nutrl- tionally. Type c is half pint Of milk.
 Foods listed in the agreement un- der which FDA reinmburses spon- sors are: milk and cheese; fresh and dried fruit; fresh and processed vegetables; fresh meat and poultry; eggs; dry beans and peas; soybean products; peanuts and peanut but ter; oleomargarine with added Vita min A, butter, lard and other edible fats and oils; cereals. Schools and child care centers receive ration stamps for rationed foods on this list under Office of Price Adminis- tration stamp allowances for insti- tutions.
 FDA officials emphasize that while the program is not limited to low income children, it is de- sirable to give assistance first to those schools where greatest need exists, since available fund may no. be adequate to help all schools asking for federal aid. Though the national income is at an all-time high, many families still lack Suffi- cient income to provide their chil- dren with adequate diets. Higher food prices and relative scarcity of certain important foods increase these difficulties.
 Sponsors
 Any non-prifit organization is eligible to sponsor a federally aided school lunch. This includes school authorities, American Legion posts, religious schools, child care centers, Parent-Teacher Associations, and similar civic and service groups. Sponsors sign with the Food Dls- tribution Administration an agree ment that guarantees reimburse ment at definite rates, provided the amount does not exceed the cost of the foods purchased. Under the agreement, lunches or milk must oe offered free to all children unable to pay, with no distinction between those who pay and those who do not. Anther condition stipulates that the prices charged for the lunches must not result in profit. Any surplus funds must be put back in- to the project in improved meal quality or service. To facilitate sponsors file simple form once a month with FDA regional directors.
 Groups who wish to appls for Fed- eral aid under the School Lunch Program should address requests to their local educational authorities or to the FDA Area or State Sup ervisors.