Rise and Shine

Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) include breakfast, morning meal, snack, and lunch programs. SNP guidelines encourage universal access, which means that ALL children, no matter the reason, can access the program in a non-stigmatizing manner. SNPs provide access to foods at school for students to fuel their minds and bodies.

Follow the 4-step process to take a planned and comprehensive approach to work on this topic.

The SNP Nutrition Guidelines are meant to be used for adults making decisions about food and beverages offered to students through the SNP. They should not be used to support student food and nutrition education or to comment on food brought from home. 

• Deciding what to pack in a lunch is the caregivers’/parents’ or student’s responsibility, depending on age and ability. For more information, see ‘Eating at School’ badge.

Getting Started

• Does your school have a Student Nutrition Program (SNP)? 
• Do the foods and beverages offered in your SNP meet the SNP guidelines?
• What sources of funding does your school have access to?
• How do students and families learn about the program in your school?
• Do you have enough volunteer support to run the program?

‍Bright Ideas

• Hold a taste test with students to explore new pre-approved menu items that meet the SNP Nutrition Guidelines.
• Consider asking students for suggestions about foods that represent their cultures.
• Let students help with food preparation, delivery of the program, and promote the program to their peers.
• Try New Food Fridays to introduce new menu items.

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