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

First Word

Taking the First Bite

March 3, 2025

Food is an adventure, and sometimes the best part isn’t whether we love or dislike a dish. It’s the experience of trying something new. Sometimes you’ll find a new favorite. Other times? Maybe not. But either way, you took a chance and tried something new, and that’s what really matters.


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President’s Perspective

Lessons From a Former Picky Eater

March 3, 2025

I know how important a staple like a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich can be for a choosy child. That’s why it’s crucial we listen to kids when it comes to their meals—because, at the end of the day, if they won’t eat it, it doesn’t matter how nutritious it is.


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What’s Cooking

Ingredients for Health: Quinoa

March 3, 2025

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.”


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