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
2025 National SNA Award Winners: Where Are They Now?
Last July, SNA’s 2025 national award winners took to the stage at our Annual National Conference to officially accept their recognitions from SNA’s then-President Shannon Gleave. Now, what have they all been up to in the six months since then? And now that the 2026 awards cycle is open for nominations, what is the best advice they have to encourage others to enter themselves or someone they know?
One Potato, Two Potatoes, Three Potatoes… More!
Potatoes are the perfect ingredient for operators looking to refresh menus. They can stand alone as the base or quietly reinforce a menu’s nutrition goals while carrying other vegetables, proteins and grains along with them. In short: Potatoes don’t just belong on the tray—they can even elevate it.
What’s Trending on a Global Stage
One school nutrition director’s reflections from the 24th Global Child Nutrition Forum held in Osaka, Japan.