In recognition of National School Lunch Week, children at the Newton County Theme School at Ficquett saw a surprise guest serving them their chicken nuggets Wednesday.

Dr. Craig Lockhart, Deputy Superintendent of Newton County Schools working on the school lunch line was one of several events for NCSS’s “Get in the Game with School Lunch” program this week.

School Nutrition Program staff promoted physical activity by wearing their personal sports jerseys Wednesday, and school administrators, principals and coaches served lunch throughout the system. Each student who bought a lunch Wednesday was offered a “Get in the Game” bookmark ruler to use in class.

National School Lunch Week emphasizes the healthy foods that are offered daily at NCSS.

“School lunches are healthier than ever, with more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains and less fat and sodium,” said Jan Loomans, Director of Operations for Newton County Schools. “National Lunch Week is the perfect time to celebrate all of the healthy options we’re serving every day in Newton County Schools.”

Local, fresh baked sweet potatoes from Herndon Jr. Farms will be featured on the lunch menu at all grade levels during this week. Herndon Jr. Farms is a family owned and operated farm that has been in business in Lyons, Georgia, for over 30 years, and NCSS School Nutrition is proud to feature their sweet potatoes on the menu. Students will see nutrition facts about fruits and vegetables posted on cafeteria serving lines and nutrition information about other healthful foods, such as dairy foods, included in cafeteria promotions.

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

The “Get in the Game with School Lunch” campaign is sponsored by the non-profit School Nutrition Association and Chobani Greek Yogurt. For more information about schools meals, visit newtoncountyschools.org/departments and click on “School Food Services.”