Louisiana Tray of the Week Campaign (2025–2026)

What Is the Tray of the Week Campaign?

The Louisiana Tray of the Week Campaign is a year-long initiative celebrating high-quality school meals and the dedicated work of School Nutrition Professionals across the state. The campaign promotes excellence and inclusivity for all programs—regardless of size, location, or social media presence.

Schools and districts across Louisiana are invited to participate. Each week, selected trays are featured on Louisiana Fit Kids’ social media platforms:

Featured images may also appear on the Louisiana Fit Kids website and on official Louisiana Department of Education platforms.

Each week, the Louisiana Fit Kids Team will highlight at least one school meal tray served within the past 1–4 weeks.

Selected schools receive a Louisiana Tray of the Week Certificate. At the end of the school year, top trays will be chosen by a panel of School Nutrition leaders for special recognition.

When Are Submissions Accepted?

The tray of the week campaign runs throughout the 2025–2026 school year:

  • Start Date: Week of August 18, 2025
  • Final Tray Collection: May 11–15, 2026

Who Can Participate?

All Louisiana School Nutrition Programs participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are eligible.

Why Participate?

  • Recognize and celebrate school nutrition staff through weekly features and year-end awards.
  • Showcase the quality, creativity, and appeal of meals served to Louisiana students.
  • Engage students, families, and staff through positive storytelling.
  • Inspire and share replicable ideas with other districts across the state.
  • Boost community pride and improve public perception of school meals.
Example of a USDA-compliant school lunch tray
Photo Credit: East Feliciana Public Schools

Submission Criteria

Submit your tray by emailing louisianafitkids@pbrc.edu. Meal photo submissions must meet the following criteria:

  • Clearly show all required components to meet USDA National School Breakfast or Lunch Meal Patterns (i.e., Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Meat/Meat Alternate, and Fluid Milk, as applicable).
  • Include a brief description of the menu items.
  • State the name of the school where the meal was served.
  • Include the date the meal was served.
  • Ensure meals are attractively plated and clearly photographed.
  • Accurately reflect what students selected or could select:
    • Use appropriate student portion sizes.
    • Do not include multiple entrées on one tray.
    • Show only one milk option per tray.
    • Match side item counts to the appropriate grade level.

Resources