School Lunch from the Great Depression: Peanut Butter and Tomato Soup

:worried:School lunches during the Great Depression were simple and often lacked variety.

:moneybag:The National School Lunch Act in 1946 led to the introduction of federally subsidized school lunch programs.

:hamburger:The quality of school lunches varied over time, with periods of healthier options and periods of processed foods.

:cookie:Hermit cookies were a popular dessert choice in school lunches during the Great Depression.

:earth_americas:France has a more sophisticated school lunch program, providing meals like beef bourguignon and brie to students.

What were some popular school lunch foods during the Great Depression?

—Peanut butter and tomato soup, a butter sandwich, a hermit cookie, and an apple and milk.

When did school lunch programs become widespread in the United States?

—School lunch programs became more widespread in the 1950s and 1960s.

Do school lunch programs still exist today?

—Yes, school lunch programs still exist today, but the quality of the food and the variety of options can vary.

What are some examples of healthier school lunch options?

—Examples of healthier school lunch options include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Are school lunches better in other countries?

—Some countries, like France, have more sophisticated school lunch programs with higher-quality and more diverse options.

00:00Introduction to the video: school lunches during the Great Depression.

03:42Preparation of peanut butter and tomato soup and hermit cookies.

08:57The history of school lunch programs, from their early beginnings to the National School Lunch Act in 1946.

14:12The decline and privatization of school lunch programs, followed by recent efforts to improve their quality.

16:17Tasting and reviewing the peanut butter and tomato soup and hermit cookies.