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.

Latest News

SNA News, SNA Publications

SN Magazine: May/June – Every Cafeteria Has a Story

May 7, 2025

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Awards, Press Release, School Lunch Hero Day, SNA News

SNA Recognizes Recipients of National Employee, Manager and Director Awards  

May 2, 2025

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School Lunch Hero Day, SNA News, SNA Publications

SN Plus: Celebrating Our School Lunch Heroes

April 30, 2025

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School Nutrition Magazine

What’s Cooking

Ingredients for Health: Cinnamon

July 8, 2024

Cinnamon has been used all around the word for thousands of years, so we’ve had a long time—and a lot of different cultures—to contribute to the list of possibilities. Let’s dive into how to use this familiar spice, plus how eating it can benefit your health.


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What’s Cooking

How to Honeydew

July 8, 2024

Honeydew melon is often seen as the filler ingredient of every fruit salad. But according to a recent article in USA Today, honeydew is establishing itself as a nutritious fruit worth including in your average diet. 


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What’s Cooking

Everyone Loves a Friendly Competition

July 8, 2024

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.


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