October 16, 2009 - This year’s National School Lunch Week was an All-Star Success!  This year’s theme, “All-Star School Lunch,” encouraged students learn about the importance of eating healthy school meals and physical activity.  School districts across the country celebrated the week with special NBA-inspired menus and invited parents, local celebrities, and area sports heroes to enjoy balanced and nutritious school lunches with students.  Take a look at some of the activities around the country.

• In New York, New Buffalo Area School District elementary school students are holding an “all-star” food drive.  All food collected this week will be donated to an area food bank for distribution at Thanksgiving.  School nutrition director Patty Iazzetto notes that “the message of ‘I’m an all-star, I care about the people in my community,’ is a powerful lesson for our children to learn.”  Students that donate food are given a star that is displayed in the food collection area.
• School nutrition professionals at Ohio’s Beavercreek School District were honored as “all-stars” this week by school nutrition director JoAnne Robinett.  Her employees were given a certificate thanking them for their hard work in ensuring that the district’s students are fed a healthy meal everyday.
• In Brinkley, Arkansas, students were treated to lunch with local “all stars” as prominent local figures joined students for lunch this week.
• Students in the Wallingford Public Schools in Connecticut were treated to an obstacle course and assembly on good nutrition and physical fitness. Student athletes from Yale University spoke to the students about healthy lifestyles, while mascots from local professional baseball and hockey franchises joined in the celebrations.  USDA’s Northeast Regional Director also attended the festivities with several state Department of Education specialists.

How did you celebrate National School Lunch Week?  Post your thoughts in the comment section below.