To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, NLRSD schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 9-13, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom.
Research shows children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week will highlight the nutritious foods available daily at all NLRSD schools. “School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” said Mary Lee Dennis, Child Nutrition Director. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program.”
The federally funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has been fueling students for success for 77 years. The NLRSD participates in the Special Provision Option – Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), therefore all students eat school meals at no cost to them! Faculty and staff can also enjoy the convenience of a healthy school lunch for just $4.00!
The NLRSD Child Nutrition Department is committed to increasing the quality of school meals every day, not just during NSLW. They have partnered with several Arkansas farms to purchase local meats including beef brisket, ground beef, beef roast, and pork butts!
“One of the farms we purchase from, Bansley’s Berkshire Ridge Farm, sell the same meat to many restaurants and markets across Northwest Arkansas” said Mary Lee Dennis. “We are so proud that our students are eating the same high quality meats that are being served in restaurants.” In addition, this summer they purchased a commercial grade Ole Hickory Pit Smoker that will be used to prepare these items and more!
New recipes featuring these local items will be highlighted during NSLW. Executive leaders and Principals will be making a special appearance in the cafeteria serving lunches and fun activities are planned for the entire week for all who eat lunch with us!
We truly can say that at NLRSD, our school meals are a “level up” from the rest!
(The School Nutrition Association drafted this release.)