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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will observe National School Lunch Week from October 13 to 17, focusing on the district's efforts to provide free and nutritious meals for students. The initiative emphasizes the connection between healthy meals and improved academic performance.
“Our school meals are developed with students at the center. Each year, the Nutrition Support Services team collects feedback directly from students to ensure our menus reflect students’ tastes and preferences,” said Interim CPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “Proper nourishment is foundational to student academic achievement.”
CPS recently received national acknowledgment for its meal programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service and Action for Healthy Kids presented CPS with four Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Awards, recognizing achievements in nutrition education, innovative lunch improvements, breakfast initiatives, and creative meal preparation.
The Office of Nutrition Support Services at CPS sets standards that exceed federal guidelines by limiting artificial ingredients and incorporating more fresh, seasonal, and culturally relevant foods into daily menus. Each day, CPS offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and milk. Local sourcing of ingredients throughout the year supports both student health and the local economy.
As part of this year's celebration, tasting events will take place at several schools to gather student input on new menu options. Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies in Edgewater will host one such event on Thursday, October 16.
In addition to regular meals, CPS introduced a Chef Residency program in 2025 featuring recipes inspired by local chefs such as Mother Wade. Over two dozen high schools have also hosted Pop-Up Test Kitchens this year, giving students more choices with upgraded ingredients based on their feedback.
“The Nutrition Support Services team is deeply committed to listening to students and continuously enhancing the overall quality of school meals,” said Interim Executive Director of Nutrition Support Services Tarrah DeClemente. “Students are candid in their feedback, and our team uses that input to create meals they are proud to serve and that students truly enjoy.”
National School Lunch Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to highlight the importance of school meals for children’s well-being. Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all CPS students receive free meals without needing to apply or show family income information.
For more details about CPS meal offerings or specific menus by school location, visit cps.edu/mealviewer.
