Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1920 — Milk Lunch for School Children [ARTICLE]

Milk Lunch for School Children

Many people do not realize the importance and benefits derived from the milk lunch for underweight children, which has been v instituted w Jn the Monticello public schools again this year. This plan for bettering the health of the children attending the public schools is being carried out in practically every city in the state at the present time, and already good results are being seen. The idea of providing milk for underweight children was first instituted in the local schools last year, and the short time that it was in practice then indicated that the plan was a good one, and consequently as soon as 7 it was possible arrangements were , made again this year -for giVing the underweight children this milk. A week ago Monday was the first day for the Hunch this year, and they are now being held each day at 10 o’clock in the morning. About one hundred and twenty-five children from the first six grades in both the south and west buildings receive the milk daily, about seventeen of this number bringing their own milk to school. One hundred and eight half-pint bottles are purchased daily, a cost of 'about 20 cents per week per child. All children who can pay this weekly sum, in order to meet the expense of the milk, do so. However, this money that is paid by the children is not sufficient for the entire supply of milk, and

school authorities will welcome any assistance from clubs, other organizations or Individuals. There is no question as to the children enjoying this morning repast. A visit to 'the school at 10 o’clock in the morning when the children receive this milk, would dispel all doubts. This milk is served at 10 o’clock, a portion of the recess period being taken for this purpose. The lunch is served in the rest room on the first floor of the building, where the milk Is made ready for serving before the children are dismissed for recess. The caps are removed from the bottles and straws are put in each one, all in readiness 'for the children. The children march from their various rooms to the rest room, taking their places along the wall, yhere they are then each served with a bottle of milk by the teachers who are in charge. General order prevails during the entire time and there is no trouble or muss entailed in the serving of the lunch. The pupils have been instructed to drink the milk through straws from the bottles without breaking the straws, whenever possible. After lunching, the pupils carry their bottles to the faucet, where they rinse them and then put them in the carriers, ready to be taken back to the creamery. All is carried out with no confusion during the brief interval of the morning’s school work. To say that the children enjoy the lunch is speaking lightly. They await with keen delight the serving each day of the lune* The recess refreshments of cheap candy and other things are done away with largely, and in its place those who need it receive the nourishing food. This mid-morning lunch Is of considerable benefit to the children because jnany do noAeat much breakfast. The move has been sanctioned by the children’s parents. ••