Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrated National School Lunch Week which took place October 9-13, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlighted the importance of a healthy school lunch to student success in and out of the classroom.
“Recent research shows that many children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week highlights the benefits of the meals available daily,” said Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) offers students fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and milk as part of every lunch. Evolving federal nutrition standards ensure that these meals are age appropriate for calorie levels while limiting both unhealthy fats and sodium. The program plays an important role in improving children’s diets and combatting food insecurity.
Hagedorn added that National School Lunch Week is an opportunity to learn more about this service and to thank school staff and volunteers who prepare and serve meals to students each school day.
In addition to celebrating National School Lunch Week, NDS hosted a “Placemat & Slogan Contest” for students grades K-12 who are recipients of their School Meal Program. The annual competition employs student-made artwork to debut on NDS breakfast and lunch tray liners.
Each participant was asked to hand draw in black or dark ink an original artwork that encourages healthy eating and physical activity.
Winners of the three age categories hailed from Blessed Trinity Regional Catholic School, Nazareth Academy Grade School, and Christopher Columbus Charter School. In addition to having their designs printed on breakfast and lunch tray liners, winners also received a $50 gift certificate.
7th- 12th Category: Joy C. from Christopher Columbus Charter School
3rd- 6th Category: Arianna M. from Nazareth Academy Grade School
K-2nd Category: Abigail S. from Blessed Trinity Regional Catholic School
For 77 years, the NSLP has been fueling students for success with many students in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Nutritional Development Services provides meals to Catholic, Charter, and other types of schools throughout the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania. Instituted in school year 2014-2015, the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) provides meals to students at no cost thus ensuring equity among children at mealtime. Obstacles to participate in the school meals program, such as the submission of the family’s income, is no longer needed. At the school level it gives meal managers more time to focus on preparing nutritious meals and less on paperwork and money collection. CEP has increased participation in breakfast and lunch programs across schools in every socio-economic level providing all students the nourishment needed each school day.
In 2022, NDS provided over 5.6 million meals to those facing food insecurity through their federally funded Child Nutrition Programs. If your school is not enrolled in the NSLP and is interested in learning more about it, please contact NDS at 215-895-3470, option 1.
For over 50 years, NDS’ mission has been to serve children and those in need with healthy food and food-related resources. NDS accomplishes its mission in two distinct ways: by administering the federally-funded child nutrition programs and through the privately supported Community Food Program.
To learn more about NDS, check out their website here.
