School Lunch Hero Day at DJJ on May 4th

The Department of Juvenile Justice's school nutrition staff strive to make lunchtime the favorite part of every student’s day. From their friendly greetings in the cafeteria and the love they dish out with every student’s meal, to how they encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, our school nutrition professionals are truly heroes.  

On Friday, May 4, DJJ students will show their appreciation for their school nutrition staff as part of School Lunch Hero Day. Students will shower their school lunch heroes with thanks, cards, and recognition. Two of the main celebrations will take place at the Rome and Dalton RYDCs.

Between preparing healthy meals, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, DJJ nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate.  

Updated federal nutrition standards for school meals require cafeterias to offer larger servings and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, switch to whole grains and limit the sodium, calories and saturated fat in each meal. DJJ nutrition professionals have been mixing up the menu and getting students excited about trying the new, healthier choices in school lunch.

School Lunch Hero Day is a nationwide celebration hosted by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novel series and the School Nutrition. Inspired by his own childhood school lunch hero, Jean J. Cariglia, Jarrett J. Krosoczka created the popular LUNCH LADY series of graphic novels for kids, starring a crime-fighting school nutrition professional and her faithful sidekick, Betty. 

School Lunch Hero Day gives schools and communities the opportunity to thank the school nutrition professionals who serve 30 million students each day. More information is available at www.SchoolLunchHeroDay.com.