Johnston County Public Schools Celebrates National School Lunch Week

A student from Benson Middle poses with the Carolina Mudcats mascot during the National School Lunch Week celebration. This year’s theme for National School Lunch Week was “Level Up with School Lunch”.

JOHNSTON COUNTY – To recognize the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30 million children each day, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) celebrated National School Lunch Week from October 9-13, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success, both in and out of the classroom.

Research shows children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week highlighted the nutritious foods available daily at JCPS. The district offers a variety of customizable entree options, local fresh produce, and, of course, every student’s favorite, pizza!

In celebration of National School Lunch Week, students at Benson Middle were treated to a NC State Fair inspired menu, featuring a whole grain donut burger that was a hit with students and staff.

“School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium,” said JCPS Director of School Nutrition Services Jennifer Lawson.

This year, the School Nutrition department celebrated at Benson Middle, joined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), and members of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Johnston County Public Schools Director of School Nutrition Services Jennifer Lawson shares some of the healthy, customizable lunch options available to students across the district.

Some of the notable attendees include Mr. Willie Taylor, Regional Administrator at US Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Services (USDA FNS); Dr. Lilly I. Bouie, Southeast Region Division Director of Special Nutrition Programs; Kim Betton, USDA FNS Southeast Regional Public Affairs Director; Veronica Bryant, USDA FNS Southeast Regional Office, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Victoria Homich, Section Chief, Office of NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) School Nutrition; and Dana Edwards, Operations and Program Management Consultant, Office of NCDPI School Nutrition.

Dr. Lilly I. Bouie, Southeast Region Division Director of Special Nutrition Programs joined in the festivities at Benson Middle with the Carolina Mudcats mascot for National School Lunch Week.

The event included a NC State Fair inspired menu, featuring a whole grain donut burger that received positive feedback from students and staff. The fun atmosphere included listening to themed music, playing a variety of games, and taking pictures with Mario, Louigie, Princess Peach, and Yoshi in the “Level Up” photo booth. Each student was able to take home a polaroid picture from the event, and the Carolina Mudcats mascot even joined in for the celebration.

Mr. Willie Taylor, Regional Administrator at US Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Services talks with School Nutrition Services team members during his visit to Benson Middle in celebration of National School Lunch Week.

The federally funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has been fueling students for success for 77 years. JCPS participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program that provides breakfast and lunch at no cost to the household to all school sites with the exception of five non-eligible sites. Families of students from the five non-eligible sites are still invited to complete a free and reduced meal application.

“National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program,” Lawson said.

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8 COMMENTS

    • Like what Jean? Don’t have half a thought and finish your sentence.

      Here are a few reasons why we should celebrate school lunches.

      In 2021, over 1.5 million North Carolina households don’t have enough to eat.
      North Carolina is the 10th hungriest state in the nation.
      1 in 5 children in North Carolina faces hunger on a regular basis.

      Tax payer money to feed children seems like a no brainer to me. It is the Christian thing to do and celebrate.

    • @SamT: What’s next? Free healthcare? Free college tuition? Universal free income? You’re not “right” in beliefs or ideology at all.

      • A free meal for a child is ok with me. I am right in my beliefs and ideology. A meal for child doesn’t lead to free tuition, free income, or free college tuition. Not helping hungry children sounds un-American.

        • @SamT: So you’re OK with free food for children. But not free medical care? I guess not helping sick children is unAmerican? And not free education? I guess not educating children is unAmerican? You sound like a typical snowflake hypocrite, who will keep pushing their woke, socialist agenda on America. #StopAskingTheGovernmentToTakeCare OfYou

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