This report summarizes the history of the school lunch program from its inception as a relief measure in 1889 through formalization by the national School Lunch Law of 1954 and describes its present scope, organization, finances, objectives, and problems. Intended to improve the physical and mental development of students as well as Japanese dietary habits, the program also addresses the educational goals of promoting friendly student-teacher relationships; teaching values of independence, division of labor, service, and cooperation through group participation in serving lunch and cleaning up; and educating students in good nutrition and eating habits. Standards for lunches are based on providing over one-third of students' nutritional requirements, and costs are shared by parents, local governments, and the state. The case of one elementary school illustrates lunch procedures and the aims of school lunch education. Tables and diagrams summarize physical development of students from 1955 to 1979, nutritional standards of school lunches, lunch hour regulations, sample menus, the national school lunch budget, and the breakdown of state subsidies into various lunch expenses. (MJL)