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Editor: Eryn Nichols

This week on The Maria Liberati Show, Maria continued her back-to-school series with
money-saving tips for packing school lunches. That got me wondering. What do school lunches
actually look like across the U.S.? In such a big country with different crops, regional tastes, and
cultural influences, school lunch menus can vary widely. Let’s take a closer look at some of the
variety offered by different states.
School lunches in the U.S. are largely overseen by each state’s school board, but the federal
government has long played a role. The National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry
S. Truman in 1946, ensured that children could receive lunch at a lower cost, or even for free. It
was a step toward reducing childhood hunger, though the meals themselves weren’t always
nutritious.
Fast forward to 2010, when  the USDA introduced the Healthy,
Hunger-Free Kids Act. This legislation set standards for calories, sodium, and nutrition, nudging
schools toward serving more balanced meals.
Now, a growing number of states have taken things further by passing universal free school meal
programs. As of today, the states offering free school lunch for all students include: Maine,
Colorado, Michigan, California, Vermont, Minnesota, New Mexico, Illinois, Massachusetts, and
Connecticut.
The goal isn’t just about affordability; it’s about accessibility. After all, cost isn’t the only barrier.
Lack of time, food education, and meal prep resources can also stand between a child and a
healthy lunch. Healthy and delicious school lunch programs are essential for every child to
ensure they feel their best,
So, what exactly are kids eating in these states with universal lunch programs?

1. Maine – Meals from Portland Public Schools are paired with a rotating salad bar
featuring cucumbers, three-bean salad, and romaine salad. Some of the most common
menu items include:

? Crispy Chicken Sandwich
? Beef Nachos

? Hummus & Wheat Thins
? Sunbutter & Jelly with Cheese Stick

2. Colorado – Meals from Denver public schools are served with fresh fruit, steamed
veggies, and milk. Some of their menus offer:

? Beef & Cheese Burrito
? Chicken Alfredo with Pasta
? Cheeseburger on a Whole Grain Bun
? Black Bean Burger (vegetarian option)

3. Michigan – In Detroit Public Schools, meals are always paired with fresh fruit and
vegetables. Their classic Midwest meals include:

? Beef Tacos with Salsa
? Turkey & Cheese Sub Sandwiches
? Cheese Pizza
? Chicken Drumsticks with Cornbread

4. California – This state emphasizes local produce and offers more plant-based options.
Under the state’s Universal Meals program, most districts serve:

? Bean & Cheese Burritos
? Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Whole-Wheat Roll
? Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza
? Seasonal fresh fruit (citrus, apples, or avocados, depending on the region)

5. Vermont – Burlington School District’s menu highlights local and farm-to-school items.
This district showcases a “Harvest of the Month” vegetable or fruit on its menus. Their
menu items include:

? Macaroni & Cheese with Roasted Broccoli
? Maple-Glazed Carrots
? Roast Turkey with Gravy & Mashed Potatoes
? Fresh Vermont Apples
6. Minnesota – The Minneapolis public schools provide rotating hot and cold options.
Every meal includes fruit, veggies, and milk with main entrée options:

? BBQ Chicken Sandwich
? Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa
? Turkey & Cheese Sub
? Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread

7. New Mexico – Albuquerque Public Schools menus incorporate regional flavors. The
balance of Southwestern spice and kid-friendly favorites makes New Mexico’s school
lunch menu stand out:

? Green Chile Cheeseburger
? Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
? Cheese Enchiladas with Pinto Beans
? Fresh Melon Cups

8. Illinois – Chicago Public Schools menus offer a mix of comfort foods and diverse
options. The Windy City lunch menu includes:
? Italian Meatball Sub
? Chicken Caesar Salad
? Vegetable Lasagna
? Cheeseburger with Oven Fries

9. Massachusetts – Boston Public Schools menus emphasize seasonal produce and whole
grains. Their lunch menu includes comforting meals such as:

? Roast Turkey with Stuffing & Mashed Potatoes
? Cheese Pizza
? Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
? Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits

10. Connecticut – Meridian and Middletown public schools always serve fresh fruit and milk
with each meal. Their main lunch items have a restaurant-inspired flair with options like:

? Baked Ziti with Roasted Broccoli
? Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potato Fries
? Grilled Cheese Sandwich
? Chef Salad with Roll

Looking across these states, one thing is clear: free doesn’t mean low quality. From Maine’s
nachos to Vermont’s cheddar mac & cheese to New Mexico’s green chile favorites, each state has
a menu that is nutritious and centered around culture. As kids head back to class, these universal
lunch programs ensure that every child can count on at least one delicious, balanced

My product picks for this week:

**Sprinkles-Why Stop at Cupcakes,, delicious flavor filled and perfect for back to school, back to work snacks anytime!

**Mightylicious– gluten free products, cookies and mixes, simply delicious! Who knew glute nfree could be this yummy!