School meals are a key source of nutrition for many kids. Before the pandemic, school meals programs served nearly 30 million kids every year. Thanks to the nutrition standards of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, school meals are healthier than ever, but more work is needed to ensure every child has access to healthy food at school. 

What's happening now

Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP) through legislation known as Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR).

About CNR

The latest

How CSPI protects progress on school meals

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 improved the healthfulness of school food. But more action is needed to ensure all kids have access to healthy meals at school.

President Obama signing the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010

The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act

In 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) made significant improvements to school foods and other child nutrition programs. The HHFKA established national nutrition standards for all food sold in schools, strengthened local wellness policies, improved the nutritional quality of school meals, strengthened accountability of school meals, and improved meal financing to support healthy school meals.

Fact sheet

Our team

Colin Schwartz

Colin Schwartz, MPP

Deputy Director Federal Affairs

cschwartz@cspinet.org

Colin Schwartz is the organization’s lead lobbyist on issues ranging from the school meals programs to the Farm Bill and facilitates the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA), the nation’s largest nutrition advocacy coalition.
Meghan Maroney

Meghan Maroney, MPH

Senior Policy Associate

mmaroney@cspinet.org

Meghan Maroney (she/her/hers) works on the school foods team, leading state/local initiatives and supporting federal priorities, to ensure every child has access to free, heathy, delicious meals at school.

Resources

Research, model policies, and fact sheets for parents and advocates.