This week has been designated "National School Lunch Week" by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA).
ODE and OSBA are teaming up to raise awareness of the importance of Child Nutrition Programs in Oregon schools.
Around the state, school board members will eat with students during the week to learn about the healthy and tasty options, and to experience the social benefits of school lunches.
In 2022-23, over 39 million school lunches were served to Oregon students. The Oregon Legislature has endorsed the value of school meals including funding in the Student Success Act this biennium for expanded school nutrition programs.
ODE Director of Child Nutrition Dustin Melton said National School Lunch Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great meals offered in Oregon schools. He said it also celebrates the child nutrition staff in every school that ensures healthy meals are provided to Oregon's kids each school day.
OSBA President Sonja McKenzie said good nutrition is a necessary part of a good learning system, adding that Oregon schools play a vital role in feeding hundreds of thousands of students every weekday -- and for some households providing a main barrier against hunger.
