The Des Moines Public Schools Central Nutrition Center is preparing for the upcoming school year by portioning dough for breadsticks, slicing cheese for macaroni and cheese, and measuring ingredients for various meals. School nutrition professionals are working in the bakery and retherm room to ensure that hot meals are ready for the first day of school. The center is also organizing and storing dry goods, fresh fruits and dairy products for shipment to schools.

The Michigan Department of Education released its income brackets for free and reduced-price school meals for 2025-2026, while the future of the Michigan School Meals program remains uncertain due to an unapproved state budget. Families must apply for assistance unless their district provides free meals, with eligibility based on federal guidelines. SNA notes that cafeteria pricing for those paying out-of-pocket is decided by each district or school.

Gaston County Schools in North Carolina is prioritizing student nutrition by collaborating with nutritionists, dietitians and school nutrition professionals to provide free meals to about 20,000 students each day. The district also grows some of its own food and incorporates student feedback into menu planning to ensure meals are both nutritious and appealing.

Rapoport Academy Food Services Director Nathaniel Gay is transforming school meals by prioritizing fresh, scratch-made options while adhering to state nutritional guidelines. Gay's efforts include making homemade tortillas, roasting pork loin and planning a full salad bar.

A Gallup poll showed that 84% of Americans consider their diets to be at least somewhat healthful, with 73% citing confidence in grocery store food safety. However, only 53% of respondents expressed confidence in federal food safety regulations, a record low.

Texas has declared that the recent measles outbreak has ended. The outbreak was the state's largest in more than three decades, with 762 confirmed cases and two deaths. No new cases have been reported in the state in the past 42 days, but epidemiologist John Brownstein warned that more cases are possible, given ongoing measles outbreaks in other areas.

The Martin County School District in Florida has joined a mass-action lawsuit against major social media companies, including Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in California, alleges these platforms use addictive algorithms targeting children. More than 1,700 districts nationwide have joined the suit, which is set for trial in early 2026.