Ever wonder what’s in a school meal?
Every child who steps into the cafeteria carries with them a unique story, a growing imagination, and endless possibilities. And every school meal served is more than just nutrition: it’s a daily reminder that they matter. That no dream is too big when you’re fueled by care, consistency, and a good meal.
This is the heart of the Made With School Lunch campaign: to show that the cafeteria isn’t just where your child eats—it’s where they’re seen, where they’re supported, and where they start building who they’re meant to become.
It’s not just calories—it’s care, community, and the nutrients your child needs to grow and thrive. Studies show kids who eat school meals:
- Consume more fruits, veggies, and dairy milk
- Eat fewer empty calories and less sugar
- Score higher on math tests and attend more days of school
About Our Campaign
Our campaign is here to celebrate and raise awareness about the incredible power of school meals. They're for everyone! They're carefully crafted to be nutritious, safe, and essential for building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Not yesterday’s lunch.
You may remember school meals like they were when you were a kid: too much sugar, too much salt, not enough of the good stuff.
But you grew up, and school meals did, too. Crafted to meet strict nutritional guidelines and made to meet the constantly changing tastes of kids everywhere, school meals have had a glow-up of their very own. Learn more about how school meals have changed today!
Join our Initiative
Download our Campaign Toolkit for easy-to-use information, conversation starters, and tips to help you engage with the Made With School Lunch movement.
Take a Proactive Approach - Be a Champion for School Meals
- Encourage your children to participate in school meals
- Talk positively about school nutrition at home
- Get to know your school’s nutrition team
- Share feedback constructively to help improve programs
- Participate in school meal events and opportunities
- Explore your school’s wellness policy—schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are required to develop and implement one. Learn more here: CDC School Wellness Policies
Together, we can create a supportive, informed community that champions the value of school meals!