MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Schools across Minnesota are celebrating National School Lunch Week, October 14-18, 2019. This year’s theme is “School Lunch: Lots 2 Love". District School officials and nutrition experts are working closely together to ensure students are eating healthy foods. For example many cafeterias now offer student taste-tests, nutrition classes, and customized student meals. Emily Malone is the Child Nutrition Director at Prior Lake-Savage Schools and the Education Chair for the Minnesota School Nutrition Association. "Nutritious lunches make it possible for all students to receive at least one well-balanced meal each school day," said Malone.
Right now creative serving approaches such as build-your-own salad bars or custom meal stations are allowing students the ability to choose healthy ingredients and toppings for themselves. To help meet federal government school lunch guidelines, schools nationwide are increasing fresh fruit and vegetable options, serving more whole grain-rich foods, and offering a variety of foods with lower sodium amounts. For more information on school lunch programs, click here.