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.

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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

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School Nutrition Success Stories

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

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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

Feature

The Power of Community

September 11, 2025

Community is about something simple and very much human: people coming together. And in a world that can often push the importance of individuality, remembering the power of community feels more essential than ever.


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Feature

It Takes a Village to Create a Menu

September 11, 2025

By gathering input from students, parents and staff, Prince William County Schools is finding new ways to make meals even more meaningful. Their approach shows how simple feedback can turn good menus into great ones.


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Feature

School Meals That Connect Us

September 11, 2025

Over the past couple of years, we’ve highlighted moments, big and small, that remind us just how much school nutrition programs mean to the communities they serve, from stepping up in the wake of natural disasters to inviting students to shape their own menus. Taken together, these stories show how school meals provide so much more than just what’s on the tray.


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