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.

52255248067_51c42bda2d_k

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鈥檚 school meals programs.

The People Behind School Meals

kids-at-school

School Nutrition Success Stories

Learn how school nutrition professionals and meal programs have made a difference in the lives of America鈥檚 students.

52256238068_e6a4cdf90a_o

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

SN Plus "The Power of Giving Back"
SNA News, SNA Publications

SN Plus: The Power of Giving Back

October 30, 2024

Read More

School Nutrition Magazine

What鈥檚 Cooking

White House Sets Bold Goal to End Hunger

October 12, 2022

School nutrition advocates were delighted that the value of school meals was a top agenda item for the White House…


Read More
Bonus Web Content, Food Focus

Video: Pumpkin Spice Latte

September 6, 2022

Join School Nutrition magazine’s consulting chef, Rebecca Polson, CC, SNS, to learn how to make a favorite beverage for high-schoolers:…


Read More
Bonus Web Content

Pumpkin World Records

August 22, 2022

In 鈥淎 Pumpkin Primer,鈥 published in聽School Nutrition鈥檚 August/September 2022 issue, author Kristin Fletcher compiles a plethora of fun facts to…


Read More