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

Food Focus

Meet Me at the Intersection of Savory & Sweet

May 7, 2025

Savory and sweet flavors are distinctly different taste experiences—so distinctive, you might think that they can’t possibly work together effectively, and yet they do. While savory and sweet have contrasting flavor properties, their very differences are also complementary, each enhancing the characteristics of the other.


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Feature

Navigating What’s Next: Food Costs, Regulations & Resilience

May 7, 2025

During SNA’s 2025 Legislative Action Conference, four SNA leaders shared how they’re working through rising costs, new regulations and staffing hurdles. Their advice? Stay flexible, plan ahead and lean on your peers.


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Feature

Shaping a Stronger Voice

May 7, 2025

Heather Perry, SNA School Nutrition Employee/Manager Representative, shares her reflections on the progress made, lessons learned and the importance of raising employee and manager voices at every level of SNA.


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