DJJ Celebrates School Lunch Hero Day

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

On Friday, May 3, DJJ youth 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. 

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

Under updated federal nutrition standards, school nutrition staff offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and fat free or low fat milk with school lunch. Cafeterias must also limit the sodium, calories and saturated fat in each meal. DJJ nutrition professionals have been mixing up the menu and getting youth excited about trying these healthier choices.

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. Creative ideas, downloads in English and Spanish and details are available at www.SchoolLunchHeroDay.com.