Sonoma County schools are serving fresh, local, scratch-cooked meals for free under California's universal free meal program. Schools partner with local farms, use state grants for kitchen upgrades and offer varied meal options, but a gap remains during weekends and summer breaks.

The average daily cost of packed student lunches has risen to $6.15, a 3% increase from last year -- and school-provided lunches also have become more expensive, averaging around $3, as shown in SNA's most recent annual survey report. Tariffs are expected to further elevate food prices, particularly on fresh produce, cheese and nuts.

Oceanside Unified School District in California has implemented a farm-to-table nutrition program that brings fresh, locally sourced produce to school cafeterias, aiming to provide restaurant-quality meals. The initiative includes partnerships with local farms such as Dickinson Family Farms, and a student-run farm.

Butler Catholic School's garden, established in 2018, provides students with fresh, homegrown produce for their cafeteria meals. The garden's produce determines the lunch menu, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Kristen Smith, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and RD Micah Siva highlight that certain nuts and seeds, such as peanuts, almonds, pistachios, hemp, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, offer comparable or higher protein content than eggs. These foods not only provide essential amino acids but also deliver additional nutrients like healthful fats, vitamins, and minerals. They recommend incorporating these protein-packed options into meals and snacks for a balanced diet, emphasizing the importance of choosing unsalted and unsweetened varieties to maximize health benefits.

Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler has filed a citizen petition urging the FDA to declare certain refined carbohydrates as no longer generally recognized as safe unless the food industry proves otherwise. Kessler says the carbohydrates are a major contributor to chronic diseases and metabolic harm.

Managers and coaches in professional sports have shorter tenures than your average CEO, but according to McKinsey research, many of them have found the formula for building high-performing teams by establishing a culture of high standards, choosing members with diverse skills, codifying how work gets done and working to boost team confidence and abilities. "The great teams that I have been on, it's all about trust and accountability, with everyone working toward a common goal," former Notre Dame volleyball player Ella Sandt told McKinsey researchers.

Feeling energized from SNA’s recent Annual National Conference (ANC)? Keep the momentum going as we head to Charlotte, N.C. for ANC26, July 12–14, 2026! The theme, Power of School Meals, shines a spotlight on the profound impact school meals have on students, families and communities nationwide. School meals are more than just food—they’re a lifeline, fueling students to learn, grow and thrive. Mark your calendar now and see you in Charlotte!