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
Ingredients for Health: Quinoa
Quinoa has come a long way since people began growing it in the Andean region 7,000 years ago. For most of that time, it remained relatively unknown outside its native South America, but over the last few decades, quinoa has become globally grown, eaten and praised as a “superfood.”
Tiny Steps, Big Leaps
The journey to achieving big dreams often starts with the tiniest of steps, and micro goals can provide a practical, empowering framework for turning aspirations into reality.
Nourishing Success with Professional Development
Professional development is not only a way to engage staff and meet the requirements of the USDA professional standards; it’s a way to boost staff morale, increase staff buy-in and develop leaders in school nutrition.