It is the educational professionals who know first-hand the positive effects a nutritious hot lunch can have on a child's ability to learn. As such, principals put the needs and well being of their students first. That is why it is crucial that they see our lunch program as an essential part of ensuring all children have an equal chance of obtaining a quality education.

Since the inception of the School Lunch Association, every relationship we have established with our participating schools has been positive. The principals have always played a major role in achieving these relationships, and ensuring their continuation. The following are comments many principals have made following the introduction of our program in their schools.

One grade two boy told his teacher, "I don't got no lunch teacher. It was just the way I was brought up". Hungry children cannot concentrate on schoolwork. They are often tired, lethargic, and poorly focused. They tend to act out in class, out of sheer frustration. For a significant number of inner-city children, the school lunch program provides the only consistent good nutritious meal they get each day. The lure of a good meal is a great incentive to go to school

Children are happy when they leave the lunchroom - more effective learning in the afternoon classes.

This is a fine program and you are to be congratulated. In this inner-city school, every child is offered a lunch. As a parent myself, it is a great convenience.

I strongly believe we offered our students an important opportunity to enhance their education when we began the school lunch program...it truly has the interest of children at heart.

Our professional judgment is that the performance level of the students is enhanced because of the school lunch program.

(The School Lunch Association) seems to be recognized as a great program that fills a huge void.

I just wanted to say what a benefit it is to have a hot lunch program in our school. Children from all social boundaries enjoy it and use it routinely. Not only are they getting good quality, nutritious meals, they are benefiting socially from this program.

This program is a great way of reinforcing the outcomes in the primary health program as the meals are based on Canada's Food Guide.

Parents are very supportive. They enjoy the convenience of the hot lunch program.

The program is running very well in our school. The staff, parents and children are delighted with it. There are so many benefits to it and it runs like clockwork! Thank you for taking us on!