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
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.
Getting the Facts Straight About School Meals
School meals are one of the most widely discussed—and often misunderstood—parts of public education. Drawing from insights shared by school nutrition leaders across the country, through SNA’s podcast School Food for Thought, we’re exploring different perspectives to set the record straight about what school meals look like today, why they matter and how they support children well beyond the lunch line.
Beyond the Carton: The Contribution of Dairy Foods to Nutritious Diets and School Meals
Dairy milk and foods are nutritional powerhouses, fueling growth and supporting health throughout the human lifespan. As the body of science continues to show the potential role of nutrient-dense dairy foods—specifically milk, cheese and yogurt at all fat levels—in a healthy diet, what remains constant is that these nutrient-rich dairy foods deliver high-quality nutrition to Americans at each stage of life.