Good nutrition makes a vital contribution to physical development and cognitive performance. KDE administers several programs that deliver quality nutrition and nutrition education to Kentucky students and other citizens. In addition to the important mission of providing fuel for growth and learning, these programs bring into Kentucky more than $350 million annually in federal reimbursement funds, employ several thousands of our fellow citizens and utilize thousands of dollars worth of commodities produced by American farmers. For far too many of our children, the meals that they receive through these programs are the only meals they receive that are planned with their nutritional needs in mind.