Austin ISD is celebrating National School Lunch Week Oct. 15-18 to recognize the National School Lunch Program, as well as, appreciation for its Food Service Workers and the more than 75,000 meals served every day.

National School Lunch Week emphasizes healthy, global and local foods offered daily at AISD schools.

"School lunches are healthier than ever, with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less fat and sodium," said Austin ISD Nutrition and Food Services Director Anneliese Tanner.  "National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our lunch program, as well as our focus on providing more local and sustainable options."

During National School Lunch Week, AISD cafés will expose students to new flavors, and educate them about the local food system. Throughout the week, all campuses will sample locally grown shishito peppers from Jenschke Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas.

On Tuesday, October 15, cafes across the district will feature the 2019 Diced & Sliced Pasta Challenge winning recipe at lunch. The colorful spicy Chicken Pasta dish was developed by Dobie Middle School culinary students. Additionally, Food Services will be bringing the food truck to Dobie Middle School and will be offering the winning pasta dish during lunch.  

Elementary school parents are encouraged to join their child for a healthy school lunch on Friday, Oct. 18, in celebration of Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. 

About Austin ISD Food Services:

Austin Independent School District serves approximately 75,000 meals per day to 129 campuses and manages a $13 million annual food budget. 
 
This district is committed to expanding healthy food access, nutrition education, and sustainability efforts. AISD is reinventing the urban school meal experience through programs such as breakfast in the classroom, food trucks, salad bars, and increased scratch cooking.