Milk top School Food Item: NPD

Almost two-thirds (64%) of school lunches eaten by children aged 6-12 are school-provided, according to data from the market research firm NPD Group. NPD’s Lunchtime Mealscape report notes that of the rest, 28% are carried from home and 8% secured from other sources. The research also tabulated the top 10 school-prepared foods and beverages consumed by children. The top item is milk, consumed by 77%, followed in order by sandwiches (44%, including burgers and hot dogs), fruits and fruit salads (35%), vegetables (24%), pizza (23%), fruit drinks (19%), chicken (13%), French fries (12%), tap water (9%) and cookies (9%).