Step behind the serving line to catch a glimpse of modern-day school meals, and learn about the people who help ensure that America鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

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School Meal Statistics

Nearly 30 million students eat school lunch every day. Get more statistics regarding the nation鈥檚 school meals programs.

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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鈥檚 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.

Meet the Members

Annual Observances

National School Lunch Week

School lunches are worth celebrating! Learn more about National School Lunch Week (NSLW), commemorated annually in October.

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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.

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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.

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Latest News

Conferences & Events, Legislative Action Conference

Registration Now Open for SNA鈥檚 Legislative Action Conference

November 15, 2024
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SNA News

Congratulations to the 2025 FAME Award Winners

November 6, 2024
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The cover of SN Magazine's November/December 2024 issue
SNA News, SNA Publications

SN Magazine: November/December 2024 – Thriving Together in the Workplace

November 1, 2024
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School Nutrition Magazine

This & That

This & That: September/October 2023

September 8, 2023

Looking for new apps to download, books to read, products to try or things to implement in your cafeterias? This & That has got you covered! Check out this list of products and programs featured in the September/October 2023 issue of School Nutrition聽magazine and give them a try yourself!

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What鈥檚 Cooking

Ingredients for Health: Popcorn

September 8, 2023

鈥淧op鈥 quiz: With 1.2 billion pounds consumed by Americans every year, what is the most popular snack food (by volume) in the U.S.? It鈥檚 popcorn! As a healthy, whole grain, and extremely versatile and easy-to-prepare snack, here’s why popcorn definitely deserves its place at the top.

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What鈥檚 Cooking

Influencing Is “In”

September 8, 2023

What exactly is a “Pizza Influencer,” and how could you put a spin on the influencer trend to market your school meals program?

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