DOWNEY — Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Downey Unified’s nutrition professionals have a lot on their plates.

To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Downey Unified schools will be celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on May 3.

School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to 30 million of America’s students each school day. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” illustrative novel series.

All across Downey Unified, school nutrition professionals will be honored with thank you cards and recognition from students, school staff, parents and the community. Through the School Lunch Hero contest, submissions can be made online prior to May 3 nominating a school nutrition employee for this special acknowledgement. Two grand prize winners, one from an elementary school and one from a secondary school, are then selected and announced in May.

“School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hardworking heroes,” said Food Services Director, Marc Milton.

Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias always offer low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school meals are the most important and nutrient-rich meals of their day. In Downey Unified, breakfast is offered for free to all enrolled students, with approximately 8,600 breakfast meals and 13,500 lunches served daily.

Healthy meals are also promoted within the district and efforts are made to source clean label ingredient food items and local products for students. A registered Dietician is also a member of the Downey Unified staff who partners with school nurses and school nutrition staff to accommodate students with special dietary restrictions.

Get the details about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition program within Downey Unified, visit www.dusd.net/nutritionservices.