Newton schools celebrate National School Lunch Week

To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving 30 million children each day, Newton Community Schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from Oct. 14-18.

The theme, “School Lunch: What’s on Your Playlist,” spotlights how today’s school cafeterias are serving up healthy menu items that kids want to eat, with increased choice and customization.

National School Lunch Week will highlight the nutritious foods available daily at Newton schools. The Cardinal Mascot, Football Players and Administrators will be helping serve lunch at each building, along with music, coloring contest and new menu items.

Monday — Mascot/Players at Aurora Heights

Tuesday — Mascot/Players at Thomas Jefferson

Wednesday — Mascot/Players at Emerson Hough

Thursday — Mascot/Players at Woodrow Wilson and Berg Middle School

Friday — All principals help serve a special treat

“School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” Cristy Croson, nutrition supervisor, said. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our lunch program and the appealing variety of choices in the cafeteria.”

Newton Schools took on the challenge to become a HealthierUS Challenge district that helps provide a variety of healthy foods, nutrition education, and incorporating many opportunities for physical fitness in our schools. We are proud to announce we passed the challenge to become an award winning nationally certified school district and continue those efforts in our district every year. Our staff strives daily to promote healthy eating and physical activity for our students throughout the school year, so children learn to live a happy healthy lifestyle.

The federally funded National School Lunch Program has been fueling students for success for more than 70 years. Students can enjoy the convenience of a healthy school lunch for just $2.75 elementary, $2.85 middle and $2.95 high school. Some students may qualify for free or reduced price meals. Contact Cristy Croson to learn more at 641-792-5797 ext. 2001.

The “School Lunch Playlist” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association. Parents and students can follow the fun using the hashtags #NSLW19, #SchoolLunchPlaylist and #SchoolLunch. For more information on National School Lunch Week, visit schoolnutrition.org/nslw/