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
Everyone Loves a Friendly Competition
Reminiscent of many of our favorite cooking competition TV shows, Director of Dining Services Nizam Saad, of Norwich Public Schools came up with the idea for the Discovery Kitchen Cook-off—a cooking competition among four teams of two middle school students to see who could create the best dish.
What Influences Food and Beverage Decisions
The International Food Information Council recently released their 2024 Food & Health Survey, covering a wide range of topics, from perceptions about food safety and what makes food “healthy” to the impact of social media on food and nutrition and what factors are most important in driving purchases.
New School Year, New Vibe
The start of a new school year is always exciting, but with some creativity and planning, you can always turn it up a notch with some fresh ideas! Bring the back-to-school party into the cafeteria, reconnect with your students after break and set the tone for a great year ahead. Here are a few ideas to get you started.