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 9-13, 2023.
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.
Join No Kid Hungry in celebrating National School Lunch Week!
This #NSLW23, 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 #NSLW23: 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 #NSLW23
— Donate: 1 dollar can help provide 10 meals for kids in need. Your support will help us fund school meal programs all over California and the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.
— Speak up for kids: 1 in 8 kids in the United States is affected by hunger. Tell your lawmaker to protect CalFresh/SNAP and other federal nutrition programs that feed kids.
Last Reviewed: October 4, 2023