National School Lunch Program
As World War II began, the government wanted to focus on good health so that the soldiers would be ready for war.  Government officials asked health professionals to create standards (rules) for the amount of vitamins, calories and other things needed to stay healthy.  These became known as the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs). School lunch programs had to use the standards when planning their menus. In 1946, President Truman signed the law that would provide long-term funding to the National School Lunch Program. The USDA continued to manage the school lunch program.