Today (May 7) is School Lunch Hero Day. Director of Child and Adult Nutrition Services for the South Dakota Department of Education Cheriee Watterson says it’s a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals. She says throughout the pandemic, it was almost like adding another meal service program in order to manage meals for students in school buildings and for those learning remotely. School nutrition employees balance many roles and follow federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias offer students low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.