School lunches are not the same that many adults remember from when they were students. Today’s school lunches are healthier, using whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, and less salt, sugar and fat.

The Fayette County School System’s School Nutrition Program is promoting the benefits of its school lunches by taking part in National School Lunch Week Oct. 12-16. The emphasis will be on the healthy foods that are offered daily to students throughout the system, according to School Nutrition Program Director Kokeeta Wilder.

“National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the benefits of our school lunch program, and the appealing choices we offer,” said Wilder.

The federally funded National School Lunch Program provides nationally balanced, healthy meals to students every day. The program, which has been serving the nation’s children for more than 60 years, requires school meals to meet federal nutrition standards such as offering fruits and vegetables every day, serving whole-grain rich foods, and limiting fat, calories and sodium.