Some schools are struggling with meal debt three years after the end of a pandemic-era policy that provided free meals to all students. Many families just above the eligibility threshold for free or reduced-price meals are finding it difficult to afford lunches, forcing schools to cover unpaid meal debt, which SNA has found to be rising steadily. Some states have implemented their own universal meal programs, but managing costs has been a challenge. Erica Biagetti of Cheshire Public Schools in Connecticut points out some of the tough spending choices many families are having to make.

Mississippi's Harrison County School District is encouraging parents to apply for the free and reduced-price lunch program amid uncertainty over federal funding during the government shutdown. The district currently receives funding from the Department of Agriculture, but officials are unsure how long it will last if the shutdown progresses into November.

The After School Hot Supper Program at Prince George's County Schools in Maryland offers extra meals for students after the school day. Many families are feeling the effects of the continuing government shutdown, and the program aims to ease some of the pressure. "By adding new hot supper options and expanding free breakfast, we’re helping more families manage through uncertain times," said interim superintendent Shawn Joseph.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that 62% of people with irritable bowel syndrome who adopted a Mediterranean diet reported significant symptom relief, compared with 42% of those receiving standard dietary advice. The Mediterranean diet also was associated with greater improvement on the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, researchers said.

A US District Court Judge ruled that the Education Department must take steps to reinstate discontinued grants that had paid for student mental health services after the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, school shooting. Judge Kymberly Evanson said the current administration must update the court this week on progress in restoring the funds.

Giving feedback requires courage, especially if the input is negative, since no one wants to get a defensive response, writes Shari Harley of Candid Culture. Harley recommends putting people at ease by asking for feedback, defining what type it should be, thanking them for giving it and deferring any response to negative feedback for later. "You're not being dismissive; you're ensuring your emotions don't take over. If you want to have a second conversation, have it within a week," Harley advises.

Attending SNA’s 2026 School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC26) in Austin, Texas? Jumpstart your learning journey by attending a pre-conference workshop on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Each workshop is designed to deepen the leadership of school nutrition professionals and strengthen and expand the impact of the power of school meals. Learn more and register today.