February is Heart Health Month, and the meals served in school cafeterias play a bigger role in student heart health than many people realize. From limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to requirements for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, school meal standards closely align with the American Heart Association’s recommendations. By building heart-healthy habits early, school meals help lay the foundation for lifelong wellness.

The newest version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released last week, prompting many to ask how it may impact school nutrition programs. A highlighted recommendation of the new guidelines is an increased emphasis on the consumption of ‘real food’ and a reduction in processed, especially ultra-processed, foods that contain refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives. Long before the release of these guidelines, we b

School nutrition does not exist in a vacuum. It lives at the intersection of family habits, school culture, access, timing, and trust. In a recent episode of the NutriSmart SNAX podcast, host Maureen Pisanick sat down with board certified pediatrician Dr. Sara Adams to talk about what really helps children build healthy relationships with food and movement, both at home and at school.