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.
Key Facts
The People Behind School Meals
School Nutrition Success Stories
Learn how school nutrition professionals and meal programs have made a difference in the lives of America’s students.
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.
School Nutrition Magazine
Finding Purpose in the Unexpected
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.
Culinary Students Prepare (Food) for Liftoff
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).
What’s Their Why?
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?