What is the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?
The NSLP is a federally funded meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. The program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. In California, the program is administered by the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division.
What is the National School Lunch Week (NSLW)?
Since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW), this annual observance has promoted the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has both in and out of the classroom.
This year, NSLW will be celebrated October 14-18, 2024.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
For children, the National School Lunch Program provides a nutritious meal that contains one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of necessary nutrients. For parents, the program offers a convenient method of providing a nutritionally balanced lunch at the lowest possible price. For schools, the program enhances children’s learning abilities by contributing to their physical and mental well being. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class. Today, the NSLP serves nearly 30 million children every school day.
What type of lunch must be offered?
School meals are not the same as grabbing lunch from your local restaurant or buying the same product from your grocery store. NSLP operators are required to use meal patterns and dietary specifications established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop menus and serve meals to students.
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It’s #NationalSchoolLunchWeek! Join us in celebrating #NSLW24, what was your favorite school lunch meal? @CaliforniaSNA @SchoolLunch @CDENutrition #SchoolMealsForAll #SchoolLunch
School meals are free in California! #NSLW24 is the perfect time to check out the nutritious and delicious meals served every school day. See what’s on the menu by visiting your district’s nutrition services website! #SchoolMealsForAll @CDENutrition @SchoolLunch @CaliforniaSNA
School Lunch is not possible without the incredible School Lunch Heroes! Join us in thanking our school nutrition staff for all they do. THANK YOU! #NLSW24 #SchoolMealsForAll @CDENutrition @SchoolLunch @CaliforniaSNA
FACT: Did you know the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million children every school day in cafeterias and classrooms across the United States. School Lunch is for all students! #NSLW24 #SchoolMealsForAll @CDENutrition @SchoolLunch @CaliforniaSNA
Even though its wrap on #NSLW24, we celebrate and appreciate school meals and the professionals who prepare and serve them every day! So, how was lunch? #SchoolMealsForAll @CDENutrition @SchoolLunch @CaliforniaSNA
Join No Kid Hungry in celebrating National School Lunch Week!
This #NSLW24, we recognize those heroes behind the scenes, making decisions to help staff and students stay safe, healthy and nourished. You can help guarantee kids are healthy and ready to learn. Feeding kids today is one of the smartest investments we can make to ensure they’re ready to face the challenges of the tomorrow.
— Use the hashtag: Reach out to celebrate and thank school nutrition staff who feed and care for our kids. Make sure to showcase your efforts on social media using #NSLW24
— Donate: $1 can help provide 10 meals* for kids. Your support will help us fund meal programs all over the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need”
*Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar
— Speak up for kids. Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to do more to end childhood hunger. Tell your lawmaker to advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.
Last reviewed: October 3, 2024