[KHTS] – As a part of National School Lunch Week (NSLW), Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services Agency officials are hosting the 11th annual School Food Vendor Show on Oct. 28 from 2:30–5 p.m.

Principals, PTA, all school staff, parents, family members and, most of all, students, are invited to come to the Central Kitchen to an “Open House” and sample new products.

The Central Kitchen is located at 25210 Anza Drive in Valencia. 

They can discover what’s “cool to eat @ MY school.” Want some input in school lunch & snack foods offered at your school? Visit with manufacturers, sample their wares and evaluate their products. Visitors also have the chance to win fun door prizes.

Families and schools can call 661-295-1574 to notify how many people will be coming until October 21.

Attendees are encouraged to carpool because parking in the Industrial Center is limited.

Celebrate NSLW 2014 with the theme of “Get in the Game with School Lunch.” It’s about encouraging kids to find a balance between healthy eating and physical activity, according to a news release. This year’s NSLW was officially scheduled by an act of congress.

Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, NSLW is a weeklong celebration of the school lunch program. SNA members celebrate in their cafeterias every year with decorations, special menus, events and more. This was 16 years after President Harry Truman signed the National School Lunch Act into law.

“The well nourished school child is a better student.” Truman said.  “He is healthier and more alert. He is developing good food habits that will benefit him for the rest of his life. In short, he is a better asset for his country in every way.”

Research shows that good nutrition enables students to meet their educational and physical potential. However, it’s the people in the kitchens that really make the state’s food programs work. CSEA is proud to represent thousands of food service employees statewide, officials said.