The circus is coming to Provo City School District cafeterias this week as schools celebrate National School Lunch Week, October 12–16, with a special theme: “Cafeteria Circus: Where School Meals Take Center Stage!”
Throughout the week, school cafeterias will be transformed with colorful decorations, circus-themed photo booths, special menus, and activities designed to celebrate school nutrition programs and the Child Nutrition employees who serve students each day.
While the festivities bring a little extra excitement to lunchtime, the celebration also recognizes the important role school meals play in supporting students throughout the school day.
Five Days Under the Big Top
Each day features two specially named lunch options, bringing a little circus flair to familiar student favorites.
Monday, October 12: Pizza Croissants or Circus Corn Dogs
Tuesday, October 13: Tumbling Tachos (tater tot nachos) or Ringleader Burgers
Wednesday, October 14: Spaghetti & Cannonball Meatballs or The Greatest Slice on Earth! (pizza)
Thursday, October 15: Tightrope Tacos or The Magic Muffin Meal, featuring a scratch-made muffin, string cheese, yogurt, and animal crackers
Friday, October 16: Lion Tamer Pot Pie or Big Top Cheesy Dunk, a whole-grain cheese-stuffed breadstick served with marinara sauce
Colorful fruit and vegetable bars will also share the spotlight, reminding students that fresh produce is an important part of a nutritious lunch.
Beyond the menu, schools are encouraged to bring the celebration into their cafeterias through circus-themed decorations, photo opportunities, and daily announcements. Students and staff can join the fun by wearing bright colors, stripes, polka dots, or other circus-inspired accessories, as permitted by their schools.
Depending on the school, students may also encounter Golden Ticket surprises, Big Top prize drawings, circus trivia, and other activities. Elementary schools have received coloring materials for a circus-themed coloring contest.
Importantly, the celebration is designed for everyone. Students who bring lunch from home are welcome to participate alongside those who eat school meals, with activities and opportunities intended to make every student feel included.
Celebrating the People Behind the Meals
At the heart of National School Lunch Week are the district's Child Nutrition teams, whose work often begins long before students enter the cafeteria.
From preparing meals and maintaining food safety to offering fresh fruits and vegetables and welcoming students through the serving line, these employees help make school cafeterias places where students can refuel, connect with friends, and prepare for the rest of their day.
This week's celebration offers an opportunity to recognize those efforts and the people who make them possible.
And while the circus-themed menus, decorations, and activities will conclude Friday, the work of feeding and caring for Provo students continues throughout the school year.
This week, our Child Nutrition teams are the stars of the show, and the district invites students and staff to join in giving them a well-deserved round of applause.
