The School Nutrition Program is responsible for the administration of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Afterschool Snack Program.  These programs provide nutritious meals and snacks for students in public and private schools and Residential and Child Care Institutions.  100 % of the public schools in Tennessee are on the National School Lunch Program.

Benefit to parents: an economical way to provide a significant amount of the student's daily nutritional requirements.

Benefit to teachers:  an increase in the student's willingness and ability to learn.

Benefit to schools:  as an integral part of education, it contributes substantially to the health and well-being of students.

Benefits to the local economy:  acts as a vast market for locally purchased foods, supplies, and equipment, as well as providing additional jobs in the community.

Benefits to the farmer:  utilizes available commodities in the lunch and breakfast meals.