Step behind the serving line to catch a glimpse of modern-day school meals, and learn about the people who help ensure that America’s students are well-fed and poised for academic success.

From nutrition requirements and statistics to school nutrition success stories and national campaigns, this is everything you need to know about our nation’s school meal programs.

52255248067_51c42bda2d_k

Key Facts

School Nutrition Standards

To receive federal reimbursements, school meals are required to meet strict nutrition standards, offering a balance of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low- or fat-free milk.

School Meal Statistics

Nearly 30 million students eat school lunch every day. Get more statistics regarding the nation’s school meals programs.

The People Behind School Meals

kids-at-school

School Nutrition Success Stories

Learn how school nutrition professionals and meal programs have made a difference in the lives of America’s students.

52256238068_e6a4cdf90a_o

School Nutrition Professionals

From chefs to nutritionists and industry partners to state agencies, learn more about the people who collaborate to ensure school meal programs thrive.

Annual Observances

National School Lunch Week

School lunches are worth celebrating! Learn more about National School Lunch Week (NSLW), commemorated annually in October.

National School Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week (NSBW), celebrated annually in March, honors the importance of a nutritious morning meal in fueling students for success.

School Lunch Hero Day

Recognize the impact of school nutrition professionals on School Lunch Hero Day (SLHD), occurring annually on the first Friday of May.

Latest News

USDA building
Child Nutrition Programs, SNA News

USDA Announces New Funds for School Meal Programs

September 14, 2022

Read More
School Nutrition Foundation, SNA News

SNF Announces $10,000 Golden Ticket Winner

September 14, 2022

Read More
Logo for School Nutrition Boot Camp
Conferences & Events, School Nutrition Boot Camp, SNA News

Registration Open for the 2022 School Nutrition Boot Camp

September 9, 2022

Read More

School Nutrition Magazine

Feature

Finding Purpose in the Unexpected

July 15, 2025

2025-26 SNA President Stephanie Dillard didn’t plan on a career in school nutrition—but every unexpected turn opened a new door to leadership, and now she is ready to help others grow, get involved and realize their own potential.


Read More
Feature

Culinary Students Prepare (Food) for Liftoff

July 15, 2025

Learn about space food with NASA’s annual HUNCH Culinary Challenge—a food science and culinary competition for high school student chefs to cook “out of this world” food, with the winning dish produced for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).


Read More
Feature

What’s Their Why?

July 15, 2025

SNA’s 2024-25 membership award winners exemplify what it means to serve with heart, resilience and passion. But what keeps them going? What makes the long hours, the navigation of changes and the challenges all worth it? We may know what they do “on paper,” but this year, we’re asking a deeper question: What’s their why?


Read More