Broward County Public Schools celebrates National School Lunch Week October 12–16 with student contests, exciting prizes and special activities

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is preparing to celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 12 through October 16, 2026, with special activities, student competitions, and recognition events highlighting the importance of healthy meals in schools.

Organized by the district’s Food and Nutrition Services Department, this year’s celebration will feature the theme “Cafeteria Circus,” bringing a fun atmosphere to school cafeterias while encouraging students to learn more about nutritious food choices.

The five-day celebration will give students opportunities to participate in creative activities, win prizes, and share what they enjoy most about school meals.

District officials say the event is also an opportunity to recognize the employees who prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to students throughout Broward County.

One of the main activities will be a student poster contest, inviting children to create artwork inspired by the “Cafeteria Circus” theme.

Students will be able to express their creativity through drawings and designs connected to the celebration. Winning posters will receive recognition and be displayed at the district level, allowing selected students to share their artwork with a wider audience.

The student whose poster is selected as the grand-prize winner will receive an iPad.

Another featured activity is the Big Top Raffle, which will encourage students to participate in school breakfast and lunch programs throughout the week.

Students who enjoy school meals during the celebration will earn entries into the raffle, giving them a chance to win prizes.

A total of 15 students will receive $100 gift cards, with five winners selected from each school level.

The raffle is intended to make the week more engaging while encouraging students to take advantage of the nutritious meals available at their schools.

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National School Lunch Week will also include participation from community leaders and education officials.

Civic representatives, School Board members, and district administrators have been invited to visit schools and enjoy lunch alongside students during the celebration.

Their participation will provide an opportunity to recognize school nutrition programs and the employees responsible for preparing meals each day.

The School Board and municipalities throughout Broward County will also present proclamations recognizing National School Lunch Week and its importance to students and school communities.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn emphasized the connection between nutritious meals and student achievement.

“National School Lunch Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the nutritious meals served to our students each day and the dedicated team members who make it possible,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “Healthy meals help our students stay focused, energized and ready to learn, and we are proud to provide meals that support their success both in and out of the classroom.”

The district’s Food and Nutrition Services Department serves thousands of healthy meals each year, providing students with breakfast and lunch options designed to support their nutritional needs.

School meals follow federal nutrition standards and include a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious ingredients.

These meals are intended to help students maintain their energy throughout the school day while supporting their overall health and ability to concentrate in the classroom.

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The upcoming celebration will highlight those everyday services while giving students additional reasons to participate in school meal programs.

Through the poster competition, raffle prizes, and community recognition activities, BCPS hopes to make National School Lunch Week an enjoyable experience for students and staff.

Families and community members interested in learning more about the October 12–16 celebration or the district’s school meal programs can visit the BCPS Food and Nutrition Services website for additional information.