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

Conferences & Events, School Nutrition Industry Conference, SNA Conferences

Early Bird Deadline for SNIC25 Ends December 6!

December 4, 2024

Read More
School Nutrition Foundation, SNA Conferences, SNA News

SNF Announces SNIC25 Scholarship Recipients 

December 2, 2024

Read More

School Nutrition Magazine

It's Your Business

Put on Your Out-of-the-Box Thinking Cap

October 19, 2020

Who says problem-solving must be a mind-numbingly boring process? 2020 has been full of puzzles to solve, especially for people…


Read More
It's Your Business

It’s Your Business: This Is the Way We Play

September 26, 2020

Play gives school nutrition team leaders power and purpose—even during a pandemic. It isn’t winter, but snowballs are flying through…


Read More
Feature

Safety First, Last and Always

September 25, 2020

Developing a strategy for prioritizing employee safety—and making subsequent investments—can prevent costly injuries down the line. For much of the…


Read More