Although there is debate about the cut-off point at which children might be considered at risk for coronary heart disease, it is estimated that 36-60 percent of children in the United States exhibit at least one modifiable risk factor for coronary disease by the age of 12. The nation's schools may provide an appropriate and efficient vehicle for reducing cardiovascular risks in large populations. About 47 million children and young people attend some 115,000 public and private schools. These students are in school from 5 to 8 hours each day, 5 days per week, for nearly 36 weeks per year. Furthermore, the school food services provide 20 percent or more of total daily caloric intake on school days for children who select the school lunch program.