Staff Report

WEST PALM BEACH – To recognize the National School Lunch Program and the 30 million children it serves every day, Palm Beach County schools will recognize National School Lunch Week (NSLW) from October 17 – 21, 2016. Traditionally NSLW is observed the second full week of October; however, due to Hurricane Matthew Palm Beach County postponed this year’s recognition.

The theme, “Show Your Spirit” is all about getting parents, students and school officials to show their spirit for school lunch. Schools cafeterias will be decorated to brighten up the serving lines and get students excited about school lunch.

This promotional week provides the School Food Service Department with the opportunity to emphasize the healthy foods that are offered daily at Palm Beach County schools and create excitement for students to show their school lunch spirit.

Special items will be offered Thursday, October 20. All students who participate in lunch at the elementary level will be offered whole grain “sports themed” grahams and middle and high school students will be able to try our new Fruit Pearls made with Florida oranges.

“School lunches are healthier than ever, with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less fat and sodium” said Allison Monbleau, Director of School Food Service. “National School

Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our lunch program, and the appealing choices we offer”.

Palm Beach County School Food Service Department has the opportunity to reach more than 185,000 students through the Child Nutrition Programs operated within 204 feeding sites.

On average the Department serves approximately 163,546 meals per day – 48,239 breakfasts, 100,436 lunches, 12,843 snacks, and 2,027 suppers. The federally-funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, healthy meals to students during the school week. The program, which has been serving the nation’s children for over 60 years, re- quires school meals to meet federal nutrition standards which includes offering fruits and vegetables every day, serving whole-grain rich foods, and limiting fat, calories, and sodium. The “Show Your Spirit” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association.