Media Alert: Maryland Schools Celebrate National School Lunch Week, October 14-18

For Immediate Release                                      Contact: William Reinhard, 410-767-0486

                                                                                               
Baltimore, MD (October 11, 2013)

The Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week, October 14-18, 2013. This year’s School Nutrition Association theme, “School Lunch across the USA,” promotes events and activities that highlight the benefits of healthy school lunches. The flavors, ingredients, and culture of various regions of the nation will be celebrated.

The campaign will shine a spotlight on the healthy foods and positive changes that schools have incorporated into their menus. Serving more than 32 million children every school day, the federally-funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced meals to students every day and helps teach students about healthy choices.

The program, which has been serving the nation's children for over 65 years, requires school meals to meet Federal nutrition standards by:

  • Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week.
  • Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods.
  • Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties.
  • Limiting calories based on the age of children being served.
  • Reducing amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.

“Proper nutrition is a fundamental component of academic excellence. Maryland schools are dedicated to offering students the nourishment they need to promote health and achieve success. In School Year 2012-2013, Maryland schools served more than 69 million lunches through the NSLP.  Maryland school districts have enhanced school nutrition programs through initiatives such as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, the Farm to School movement, and collaboration with the Governor’s Partnership to End Childhood Hunger. These initiatives, combined with the NSLP and the School Breakfast Program, contribute to our students’ health and well-being.” said Dr. Lillian Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools.

For information about the school nutrition programs in Maryland or to see what’s on your local school systems menu, visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org.

 

The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity providers and employers.