My parochial school lunch room experience was not the norm. We had an awsome lady in charge and she made sure we had food. Chili, bierocks, mashed potatoes with a beef roast gravy, burritos, homemade pizza, chicken pot pie/noodles...we ate well. I remember a lunch card was 18.00 and we got 20 punches/card. Of course, I did take my lunch too, Mom made sure i had food. I was really blessed growing up. Shame it took so long to realize it.
Our elementary school had no lunch program, but junior high and high school had awesome, home style lunches! 35¢ each. Milk was 2¢ A half pint. I think the USDA oversaw the programs. If anyone was on free lunches, we weren’t aware of it.