May 2023: School Lunch Hero Month

WHEREAS, school meals are important to student health and well-being and ensure all students have the nutrition they need throughout the day to learn, play, and grow; and,

WHEREAS, in the United States, 1 in 8 children struggle with hunger – nearly 9 million – and there may be millions of kids across the country who are not getting the nourishment they need; and,

WHEREAS, hunger may impact a child’s academic performance by hampering their ability to concentrate and learn, and could lead to developmental impairments in areas like language, motor skills, and behavior; kids at risk of hunger may be less-equipped to reach their full potential as they engage with the world around them; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s school food service directors, chefs, cafeteria staff, school garden coordinators, FoodCorps leaders, and others strive every day to bring tasty, nutritious meals including milk, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to support good health and provide key nutrients; and,

WHEREAS, receiving school lunches through federally funded nutrition programs and Michigan’s 10 Cents a Meal program may help reduce food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health, and helps ensure every child has access to good food; and,

WHEREAS, on May 5, 2023, National School Lunch Hero Day, and throughout the month of May, we honor and recognize the dedication and important work of school cafeteria staff to ensure kids are well-fed; and, 

WHEREAS, through the efforts of School Lunch Heroes, students gain access to healthy, local foods and educational opportunities, including school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips; and, 

WHEREAS, students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members across Michigan will celebrate their School Lunch Heroes for the important role they play in students’ lives with special recognition, gifts, thank you cards, special songs, and more throughout the month;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as School Lunch Hero Month in Michigan.