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
The Practical Side of Sustainable School Meals
In K–12 school nutrition, sustainability is less about buzzwords and more about durability: menus that students will eat, staff can execute and districts can afford, day after day, while staying fully aligned with USDA meal pattern requirements.
Farm to School: A Check-In on What’s Working (and What’s Next)
We’ve written about farm to school before. We’ve covered the why and benefits. So instead of rehashing the basics, consider this a check-in: Where are we now? What have we learned? And what actually makes farm to school programs stick?
Going Green! (With Plant Based Eating)
Whether people are cutting back on meat, going fully vegetarian or vegan or just trying out Meatless Mondays—plant-based diets are having their moment, and with the environmental and health benefits that come from eating fewer animal products, it makes sense why.