Exchange School Meal Program Provides Nutrition for Nation’s Youngest Heroes

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany—Since 1955, the Exchange has been nourishing the next generation through its school meal program, ensuring that our Nation’s youngest heroes overseas have nutritious breakfasts and lunches while giving their military parents peace of mind.

In Europe, the Exchange serves students in 43 Department of Defense Education Activity school cafeterias on Army and Air Force installations in Germany, Italy, Belgium, United Kingdom and Turkey.

“Our school meal program is a key element of our commitment to military families,” said Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange commander for Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region. “We are dedicated to ensuring that meals are provided at or below cost, and we offer free or reduced-price options to support students and families. Our goal is to keep students focused and energized, and we take great pride in the role we play in their daily lives.”

Sonja Gates, KMC School Meal Program head manager, serves Vogelweh Elementary School students alongside Bianca Lindo (partly obscured), VES School Cafeteria supervisor.

The Exchange’s school meal program began in the United Kingdom. By 1980, the Exchange was officially designated the sole authority for school feeding for the Army and Air Force, solidifying its role in supporting the children of service members.

During the 2023-24 school year, the Exchange served 3.4 million meals to students in Europe and the Pacific. All meals adhere to USDA guidelines, which focus on increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables while reducing added sugars and sodium.

Sembach Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization President Olivia St. Clair said she appreciates the Exchange’s focus on nutrition.

“As a parent and active school volunteer, I’ve been impressed with the quality of the meals our children are getting every day,” she said. “My own son enjoys school lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality compared to what he got stateside.”

Samantha McClay-Couffer, food service worker at Vogelweh Elementary School, prepares 500 fruit servings for the school meal program.

Lacroix praised the school meal program for its dedication to providing nutritious and engaging meals to students.

“Our goal is to make nutrition a key part of the classroom experience, offering a variety of healthy options that are in line with the most up-to-date nutrition standards from the USDA,” Lacroix said.

The menu features well-balanced meal offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, aiming to support long-term healthy habits. With 80 associates collectively bringing more than 1,000 years of experience, the team in Europe is committed to enhancing the lives of military families through excellent service and nutrition.

“Feedback from students is crucial to the program’s success,” said Sonja Gates, the school meal program manager in Kaiserslautern. “Listening to students and incorporating their feedback helps us continually improve our program and ensuring it meets their needs by providing the best service and care for truly important young members in our community,”

With nearly 69 years of school meal service, the Exchange remains committed to delivering healthy, appetizing and affordable meals to military children. “Through it all, we do what we can to make sure our students are well taken care of,” Gates said. “They are our future, and we are honored to be a part of that future.”