school meal programs

A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Medicaid direct certification increased participation in school meal programs across Maryland schools. By using Medicaid records to automatically identify children eligible for free or reduced-price meals, more qualifying students were enrolled and began receiving school meals. Researchers say the approach could serve as a model for other states seeking to reduce hunger and improve nutrition among low-income students.

USDA Food and Nutrition is promoting 'Try-Days', an initiative encouraging children and families to sample new foods and discover new favorites. The approach ties into school meal and nutrition programs, aiming to reduce picky eating by making food exploration a regular, positive experience for kids.

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service is promoting a school meals taste-test challenge encouraging students to sample and give feedback on the meals served in their cafeterias. The initiative highlights student voices in school nutrition, with participants rating dishes and helping schools refine menus. It fits into broader federal efforts to improve the quality and appeal of food served to children in schools across the United States.

The nutrition director of the Morgan Hill Unified School District has received an award recognizing efforts to make school meals more sustainable. The honor, reported by the Morgan Hill Times, highlights work improving how meals are sourced, prepared or served in district schools. It is a positive local story celebrating leadership in school food programs and environmentally responsible nutrition practices.

Students at Clara Brownell Middle School are growing food in a school garden that now supplies their own cafeteria. The program connects classroom lessons about gardening and nutrition with the meals served at lunch, letting students see the food they planted end up on their plates. Local coverage highlights it as a hands-on approach to healthy eating.

Arkansas officials have announced nearly $600,000 in grants aimed at strengthening nutrition programs in schools across the state. The funding is intended to help schools improve meal quality and access to healthy food for students. The announcement is drawing attention from local residents, educators and parents following coverage of the state's investment in child nutrition.

Chartwells, the school dining company, is promoting an updated approach to school meals, introducing new flavors alongside nutrition resources for students and schools. The announcement, reported by local media, highlights the company's efforts to make cafeteria food more appealing and health-focused, though few further details about specific menus, schools, or programs have been released.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced nearly $600,000 in grants aimed at strengthening nutrition programs in schools across the state. The funding is intended to help schools improve the quality of meals and food services for students. Further details on how the grants will be distributed and which districts will benefit have not been provided.

A golf classic in Louisville, Kentucky has raised money to feed local children on weekends. The fundraiser supports programs that provide meals to students when school cafeterias are closed, a time when many children who rely on free or reduced-price lunches go without. The event highlights ongoing efforts by community organisations in Louisville to tackle child food insecurity outside the school week.

Indian Creek schools are drawing attention for their free meal programs and efforts to improve student nutrition beyond the standard lunch line. Local coverage highlights how the district provides meals to students and emphasizes healthier eating, part of a wider focus on school food programs ensuring children receive nutritious meals during the school day.

Students at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Utah have built a school garden to grow food served in their own cafeteria. The project, covered by FOX 13 News Utah, connects students with where their meals come from through hands-on farming work. School garden and farm-to-table programs are popular ways to teach nutrition and sustainability.

Bloomfield Municipal Schools in New Mexico have been awarded a grant from the School Nutrition Foundation. The funding is intended to support the district's school meal and nutrition programs. The announcement has drawn local attention in the region as districts nationwide face rising food costs and pressure to improve the quality of meals served to students.

Bloomfield school district has been awarded a grant from the School Nutrition Foundation, according to a report by The Journal. The funding will support the district's school meal and nutrition programs, benefiting students across its schools. The announcement is drawing local attention as communities watch how districts invest in child nutrition.

The nutrition department of Ottumwa Community School District in Iowa has received a grant, according to a report in the Ottumwa Courier. The funding is expected to support the district's school meal programs, though the amount and source of the grant were not specified in initial coverage. Local residents are sharing the news as districts across Iowa continue seeking extra funding for student nutrition.

Trinity United Methodist Church in West Palm Beach is offering free hot breakfasts to students and their families. The program aims to help households in the area struggling with food costs, giving children a proper meal before the school day begins. Local reporting has highlighted the effort as an example of faith groups stepping in to meet community needs.

Colorado is observing National Farm to School Month, highlighting efforts to connect schools with local farms and bring fresh, locally grown food into student meals. The awareness month, held each October, encourages school districts, food service providers and farmers to expand farm-to-school programs that support local agriculture and improve childhood nutrition across the state.

Ocean Spray has reached a new agreement to supply Massachusetts-grown cranberries to K-12 schools across the state. The deal aims to put local cranberry products on student lunch menus while supporting the state's cranberry growers. It connects Massachusetts' signature crop with school nutrition programs, giving farmers a new institutional market.

Schools and local government offices, including in Chautauqua County, are marking National School Lunch Week, an annual observance highlighting the role of school meal programs in children's health and learning. Districts typically use the week to showcase cafeteria offerings, thank nutrition staff, and promote the federal school lunch program to families.

Students at Alice Shaw School marked World School Milk Day, an annual event highlighting the role of milk in children's nutrition and school meal programs. Coverage of the celebration comes from KSBY News, which reported on the students taking part in activities around the observance. The day is recognized in schools internationally to promote dairy consumption and healthy eating among children.

The Utah State Board of Education is looking for local beef and tree fruit producers to supply products for school meal programs. The move would connect Utah farmers with school cafeterias, giving students more locally sourced food while opening a new market for state producers. Interested growers and ranchers are being invited to bid for the contract.