When did schools start serving lunch?

Schools began serving lunch in the late 19th century, with significant developments occurring in the early 20th century. The first organized school lunch programs in the United States were established in the 1940s, driven by the need to provide nutrition to children, especially during World War II. Over the years, these programs expanded and evolved to address dietary needs and promote healthy eating among students. Today, school lunch programs are an integral part of educational institutions worldwide.