National School Lunch Week

Stepping into many school cafeterias last week offered a fun trip to another era! Across the country, many school nutrition professionals embraced the School Nutrition Association’s “Peace, Love and School Lunch” theme for National School Lunch Week (NSLW), donning bell bottoms, bright-colored shirts and flower power!

Students in Georgia enjoyed some “far out lunches. The nutrition team from Thomas County Schools created special menus each day during NSLW. One day, students had a tasty tray of “funky chicken tenders” and biscuits with mashed potatoes, green beans and the side of far-out oranges.

The School City of Hammond (IN) team showed lots of NSLW spirit with groovy outfits and colorful decorations in their cafeterias. Students at Lincoln Elementary School were treated to a tray of fruits and vegetables with a special message from the staff, reading “We hope you always find peace and love in every meal we make for you.”

In Ohio, the nutrition staff for West Clermont School District included the “Peace, Love, and School Lunch” theme throughout menu options, including tie-dye fruit offerings and colorful yogurt parfaits. Students at the high school have the option of custom-made sandwiches and wraps.  The sandwiches are served on a whole-grain bread and include a student’s choice of meat, cheese, and there is a toppings bar with at least eight different vegetable options.

Balanced nutrition throughout the day contributes to student success in and out of the classroom. Research shows children get their healthiest meals at school. Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia used NSLW week to educate students about the importance of healthy school lunches and their impact inside and outside the classroom. 

As a way to remind students that fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a well-balanced diet, the staff with Byron Center Public Schools in Michigan dressed as their favorite foods during National School Lunch Week.

Other districts took the opportunity during National School Lunch Week to offer students new menu options. Manor Independent School District in Texas offered buffalo chicken tater bake, ranch roasted broccoli, Mexican street corn and meatball subs at their schools.  The students enjoyed the new choices as they went through the lunch lines, which were decorated around the theme.

The following gallery features photos submitted by the School City of Hammond as they embraced the theme and flashed back to the decade of peace and love during National School Lunch Week.