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
Health Motivated, AI Generated
An ongoing study, conducted at 14 clinics nationwide is set to potentially revolutionize the way doctors prescribe suggested diets for their patients—with a bit of help from artificial intelligence.
Understanding Intersectionality
Views on DEIA are continuously evolving, and while “intersectionality” is a newcomer to the discussion, it has become a focal point of both positive and negative discourse, signaling significant, and sometimes fluctuating, shifts in the conversation.
Leap Into School Lunch
Many school cafeterias took advantage of 2024’s once-in-every-four-years leap day as an opportunity for creative activities and menus. Among the most unique was Trimble County (Ky.) Schools, which featured frog legs on the menu!