Lunchables Get Removed From The National School Lunch Program

If you attended public school, you probably remember the thrill of special lunch days featuring Pizza Hut or Taco Bell. And let’s not forget the ubiquitous Lunchables that graced cafeteria trays. But now, Kraft Heinz Lunchables is making headlines for its decision to withdraw its products from the U.S. government’s National School Lunch Program—a service that provides free or reduced-cost meals to low-income students.

Last year, Kraft Heinz tried to refresh its Lunchables lineup to better connect with younger consumers and align with school nutrition standards. It introduced revised versions of two classics: Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza Lunchables. While these changes boosted protein and dietary fiber, the reception was mixed—school administrators were pleased, but students? Not so much.

Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports, weighed in, emphasizing the importance of strict nutrition standards. “The USDA should maintain stricter eligibility standards for the school lunch programs so that the millions of kids that depend on it get the healthier options they deserve,” Ronholm said. The National School Lunch Program currently serves roughly 30 million children from low-income families.

In a statement, Kraft Heinz shared, “Lunchables products are not available in schools this year, but we hope to revisit at a future date.”