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

Conferences & Events, Legislative Action Conference

Registration Now Open for SNA’s Legislative Action Conference

November 15, 2024

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School Nutrition Magazine

First Word

Looking to SN Readers to Cook up a Bright Future

November 1, 2023

The past few years have been chaotic for everyone, and the challenges facing school foodservice and SNA are no small things to contemplate either, but looking to SNA’s hardworking, passionate members is an optimistic reminder of a bright future, for school nutrition and beyond.


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President’s Perspective

Lean on the Expertise of Industry Partners

November 1, 2023

The industry representatives who serve the K-12 foodservice segment are among the most talented and generous partners anyone could ask for, and if you’re not actively working with them, you are making your job much, much harder than it needs to be.


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What’s Cooking

Do Right Dairy

November 1, 2023

Discover some of the dairy industry’s inventive approaches to sustainability and reducing negative impacts on the environment and climate change.


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