{Insert your school or district name here} National School Lunch Week October 14-18, 2019 {Insert your school or district name here} Copyright  2019 School Nutrition Association

What is National School Lunch Week? The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) was signed into law in 1946. NSLP serves 30 million students every school day! National School Lunch Week (NSLW) was created in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy’s goal was to recognize the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life. 95% of U.S. elementary and secondary school students are enrolled in schools that participate in the NSLP.

Why Celebrate NSLW? Helps increase student participation! Spreads the message that you’re serving healthy meals! Helps earn media coverage!

Benefits of School Lunch Children receiving school lunches consume fewer empty calories and more milk, fruit, vegetables and fiber than their peers. School lunch participation is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI). School lunches are healthier than typical packed lunches.

USDA Standards for Healthy Meals The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required the USDA to update nutrition standards for the first time in 15 years.  New regulations, effective in 2012, required cafeterias to offer more fruit, vegetables and whole grains and limit sodium, calories and unhealthy fat in school meals. To receive federal reimbursements, “reimbursable” meals must meet strict federal nutrition standards.  School meals are required to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Standards were also established for snack foods.

School Lunch Fast Facts School Lunch Must Include: Fruits Lean Protein Low Fat Dairy Veggies Whole Grains

School Lunch Fast Facts cont. 13.6 Billion 30 Million 4.9 Billion The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves lunch to 30 million students every school day. The NSLP annual cost is 13.6 billion in federal dollars. 4.9 billion lunches are served annually!

Past NSLW Celebrations Parents and staff to share their favorite school lunches when they were kids. Use this info in displays, newsletters and/or social media. [Show examples of your district’s past NSLW celebrations here]

NSLW National Campaign Goals Promote Healthy Meals Community Awareness Market Expansion Raise awareness with key stakeholders and media about the importance of school meals and the role played by school nutrition professionals. Expand the market for school lunch– online and off–using social media and traditional marketing materials. Promote healthy menus and increase school lunch participation.

#NSLW19 Celebration Plans Share your Menu For Parents Teachers and Administrators Legislators and Public Officials Social Media: What’s on Your Playlist? [On this slide and the slides that follow, highlight how you will recognize NSLW in your district.]

What’s New on the Menu? Greeley-Evans District 6 Nutrition Services NSLW menu [Add examples of new recipes and/or menu you’re serving during NSLW here. Highlight your healthy recipes!]

Share Lunch Playlists with Parents Remind parents about the benefits of school lunch with our infographic and offer to speak at PTA meetings. Host National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 or any day during #NSLW19. Encourage students and parents to regularly review lunch menus together to start a dialogue about healthy eating. [Include your activities to engage parents here.]

Encore for Teachers and Administrators Invite the principal to work the line and serve lunch to the students. Provide them with some #NSLW19 gear! Sponsor an NSLW art or essay contest for students to share what’s on their school lunch playlist. Share NSLW coloring sheets and games, available on the website, to engage younger students. [Include your activities to engage and recognize teachers and administrators here.]

Get Legislators to Make Some Noise Request the mayor or other city official to proclaim October 14-18, 2019 as National School Lunch Week. Invite your elected officials to visit your school/district during NSLW and have lunch with students. Send out a press release and invite the media to visit along with officials and/or local celebrities. [Include your activities to engage legislators and/or other public officials here.]

Follow Us on Social Media #SchoolLunchPlaylist #SchoolLunchRocks @fill in the blank @fill in the blank www.facebook.com/ fill in the blank #NSLW19 [On this slide, add URLs for your social media pages, so attendees can follow you.]

Copyright  2019 School Nutrition Association Thank You For Your Time! www.schoolnutrition.org/nslw Copyright  2019 School Nutrition Association