School lunches provided through the National School Lunch Program can be a critical part of maintaining a healthy childhood weight. By providing more fruits and vegetables and less fat than the average bag lunch brought from home, school lunches are the ultimate source of energy to help you "Reach Your Peak."
- School lunches must meet federal guidelines based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- A target of no more than 30 percent of calories come from fat and less than 10 percent from saturated fat.
- School lunches provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories.
- These guidelines apply over the course of one week of school lunch menus.
NSLW was established in 1963 by a proclamation from President John F. Kennedy. It is designed to help raise awareness of and garner support for the role that nutrition programs play in the lives of America's children. The School Nutrition Association helps celebrate the event each year.
