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Welcome! The ABCs of School Nutrition Program supports school nutrition programs by providing training, resources, and tailored technical assistance to Illinois school nutrition professionals. On our blog, you'll find a variety success stories from schools around Illinois who have worked with us on Smarter Lunchroom initiatives, Breakfast After the Bell, and more! We also highlight School Nutrition Heroes who are committed to serving healthy meals and our winning Meal of the Month photo contest entries. To navigate, feel free to scroll through the posts, or narrow it down by selecting relevant categories (displayed on the right side of the page). Have a question? Choose the "ASK A SCHOOL NUTRITION QUESTION" category to get to the pinned post.

list of blog posts

  • Boost Reimbursable Meals (VIDEO!)

    See how schools around Illinois are increasing their reimbursable meal counts with simple solutions in this quick video!

  • Vary the Vegetables (VIDEO!)

    See how schools around Illinois are improving consumption of VEGETABLES with simple solutions in this quick video!

  • Focus on Fruit (VIDEO!)

    See how schools around Illinois are improving consumption of FRUIT with simple solutions in this quick video!

  • Move More White Milk (VIDEO!)

    See how schools around Illinois are improving consumption of WHITE MILK with simple solutions in this quick video!

  • Lunchroom Atmosphere (VIDEO!)

    See how schools around Illinois are enhancing their LUNCHROOM ATMOSPHERE with simple solutions in this quick video!

  • #MealoftheMonth Photo Contest Winner - September 2018!

    CONGRATULATIONS to St. Elmo CUSD #202 (St. Elmo, IL) for winning our #MealoftheMonth contest for September! Click here to see their winning entry.

  • An international perspective on school meals

    Miyuki Rapp, a dietetic intern originally from Japan, shares her school lunch memories and offers perspective for school nutrition professionals.

  • #MealoftheMonth Photo Contest Winner - Summer 2018!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (Champaign, IL) for winning the summer meals edition of #MealoftheMonth! Click here to see their winning entry.

  • Moo-ving more white milk

    University of Illinois Extension staff creatively promoted white milk at Maple Grove Elementary (Metropolis, IL) with tastings, contests, and more!