The first school lunch program in the United States was launched in vocational schools in 1853 by The Children's Aid Society of New York.

In what decade did some schools allow fast food to start serving lunches in their cafeterias?

Fast food took over school cafeterias in the 1970s.

As federal nutrition standards continued to weaken, vending and foodservice companies brought chips, candy bars, and other treats to schools as well. In 1979, the USDA put out guidelines that said school lunches needed only to provide “minimum nutritional value.”

Why did Congress authorize schools to serve children's lunches?

The program was established as a way to prop up food prices by absorbing farm surpluses, while at the same time providing food to school age children. It was named after Richard Russell, Jr., signed into law by President Harry S.