Did you know that kids and teens in the U.S. get up to half their total nutrition from meals and snacks eaten at school? This makes America’s schools—both public and private—a major source of the calories kids need to learn, grow and thrive.
Knowing that eating habits develop early in life, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
policy encourages schools to offer fresh, healthy options for breakfast, lunch and snacks. We also encourage schools to provide healthy food for
all students so that every child can make a healthy start.
What do kids eat at school?
When we talk about improving school-based nutrition, it’s essential to understand what kinds of meals and snacks are available at school. Essentially, these fall into three groups:
School meals such as breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks provided by public schools and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Food and drinks sold at school that aren’t part of the USDA program, such as snack-bar offerings and choices in vending machines.
Other foods and drinks that don’t fall into these two groups. These include snacks and lunches brought to school by students, special treats for birthdays and other celebrations, foods given as rewards and food items sold at school events and fundraisers. (These foods aren’t regulated by nationwide law but may be guided by school policies. For example, due to growing numbers of people with peanut allergies, schools might ban foods or drinks containing peanuts.)
Our country’s commitment to school nutrition
Congress passed the first law governing school meals in 1966, and we’ve seen many updates since then. For example, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 called for less sugar, more fruits, veggies and whole grains plus leaner meats and low-fat dairy products in school meals and snacks.
Thanks to consistent local action and a groundswell of parent support, nearly 98% of U.S. schools comply with current nutrition standards.
How school meals support your child’s lifelong health
Fresh, nutritious food is a cornerstone of child and family health. Meals and snacks provided at school are part of a nationwide safety net for kids and families. The AAP believes that every child should have access to good food at school, served in pleasant spaces where they can relax and enjoy every bite.
Our policies draw on research that confirms school meal programs can improve a child’s diet, especially for kids who can’t always find healthy foods at home. Good nutrition helps kids maintain a healthy weight, fight off disease and build healthy brains for school and life success.
Making school meals even healthier for our kids
The AAP has taken a strong stand in support of healthy meals and snacks in all U.S. schools. Here are key policy points that show our commitment to good nutrition for every school-age child:
Schools should fully implement the latest USDA standards for school meals and snacks. These standards set limits on added sugar and sodium in foods served at school while promoting whole-grain foods over ultra-processed breads, rolls, crackers and other options. Following USDA standards also brings school meals in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans adopted in 2025.
Foods and beverages sold in schools should meet USDA Smart Snacks standards and align with the basics of good nutrition. For example, drink choices should include plain water, reduced-fat or whole milk and nutritionally similar cow milk alternatives—with limits on sugary sodas, flavored milk or 100% fruit juices.
Policies should flex to include foods favored by families and cultures. School standards can allow community favorites that still meet nutritional guidelines.
Foods brought in for school-based celebrations or fundraisers should include nutrient-dense options. For example, schools might encourage families to choose fruit, veggies, whole-grain crackers, cheese and other options over cake, cookies, chips and processed foods. (While eating a cupcake now and then will NOT spoil a child’s health, thoughtful policies can give kids a chance to try tasty foods that are good for them, too.)
Schools should protect mealtime and provide a calm environment so kids can relax and enjoy what they eat. This supports higher intake of healthy foods and less food tossed in the trash can.
Kids with special dietary needs based on health, disability or religious restrictions need access to healthy options. For example, kids with cow milk allergies need non-dairy beverages and alternatives to yogurt, cheese and butter.
Remember
Eating habits form early in life. Offering high-quality meals and snacks at school is one way to help kids build strong, healthy minds and bodies. School meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy options are healthiest for our kids.
Food choices can flex to accommodate cultural and dietary preferences as well as health-related needs. Limiting sugar and highly processed foods doesn’t mean zero fun at school celebrations and events. Common-sense guidelines can support good nutrition while allowing a few treats along the way.
School nutrition programs help ensure that every child—regardless of income or family circumstances—can eat healthfully. This is the backbone of better health for all Americans.
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