Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Huntsville City Schools nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Huntsville City Schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 3. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day.
All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored and recognized by students, school staff, parents, and the community. All Child Nutrition Program staff will celebrate by wearing their School Lunch Hero Day t-shirts.
“School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hardworking heroes for their dedication to fueling our students for success,” said Henry E. Ward, Child Nutrition Program Director
Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias always offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats. The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. At Huntsville City Schools, we serve over 23,400 students and execute an average of 24,200 meals each school day. We offer healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals. Our program consists of three segments of USDA programs, and they include the National School Lunch program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food programs and the Summer Food Service Program.
Learn more on the School Lunch Hero Day website. To learn more about the school nutrition program for Huntsville City Schools visit the CNP page of the HCS website. https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/page/child-nutrition-program.
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. Learn more about today’s school meals on the School Nutrition Association website.