Today (May 7) is School Lunch Hero Day.
Director of Child and Adult Nutrition Services for the South Dakota Department of Education Cheriee Watterson says it’s a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals. She says throughout the pandemic, it was almost like adding another meal service program in order to manage meals for students in school buildings and for those learning remotely.
School nutrition employees balance many roles and follow federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias offer students low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.
Over 13.9 million healthy lunches were served in South Dakota in school year 2019-20 and over 4.1 million nutritious breakfast meals were served.
Celebrated annually since 2013, School Lunch Hero Day was designated by the School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series.
Find more information about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com.
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