DMPS Celebrates National School Lunch Week

To recognize the National School Lunch Program and the 30 million children it serves every day, Des Moines Public Schools recognizes National School Lunch Week. The theme, “Recipes for Success” is an opportunity to showcase the quality meals and service provided to our children.

National School Lunch Week emphasizes the healthy foods that are offered daily at Des Moines Public Schools. On Wednesday, Oct. 11 we will be serving a menu favorite “Walking Tacos with a Cornbread Muffin”. Our “Successful Recipes” for the taco meat and muffins are made in house by our staff.

“School lunches are healthier than ever, with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less fat and sodium,” said Amanda Miller, Food service Director. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our lunch program, and the appealing choices we offer.”

Food service staff members will be decorating cafeterias and wearing special uniforms and costumes. Elementary students will be encouraged to draw their favorite lunch tray to be displayed as decoration, and receive an emoji eraser.

The federally-funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, healthy meals to students every day. The program, which has been serving the nation’s children for over 60 years, requires school meals to meet federal nutrition standards like offering fruits and vegetables every day, serving whole grain-rich foods, and limiting fat, calories, and sodium.

The “Recipes for Success” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association. Parents and students can follow the fun using the hashtag #NSLW17. For more information on National School Lunch Week, visit the School Nutrition Association website.