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National Make Lunch Count Day

Show your love and appreciation this National Make Lunch Count Day - create a special lunch for someone you care about!

Tuesday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 13

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYWellness

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to make lunch count! Celebrate National Make Lunch Count Day on April 13th by taking the time to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal. This day was created in an effort to encourage people to take their lunchbreaks seriously and appreciate the importance of a healthy lifestyle. With many of us working from home now, it can be difficult to remember that every meal is an opportunity for nourishment and growth. So, let's make this day special by dedicating some extra effort into making our lunches count!

TIMELINE

National Make Lunch Count Day Timeline

Swanson's TV Dinners

The introduction of Swanson's TV dinners made instant, at-home lunches more convenient for busy families.

National School Lunch Act

The National School Lunch Act was amended to improve nutrition and health standards of school lunches across the U.S.

Food Pyramid Introduction

The USDA's Food Pyramid was first introduced, encouraging balanced meals for better health.

HealthierUS School Challenge

In response to rising obesity rates, the USDA launched the HealthierUS School Challenge, promoting healthier lunch options in schools.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

President Obama signs the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, increasing funding for school meals and setting high nutrition standards.

National Make Lunch Count Day

The holiday is established to encourage people to take a break and enjoy a healthy lunch.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Make Lunch Count Day

Plan a picnic

If the weather is nice, plan a picnic in the park or your backyard. Pack sandwiches, salads, fruit, and other picnic favorites. Don't forget to bring a blanket and some games to make it even more fun!

COOK

Cook lunch together

Gather the family in the kitchen and come up with a delicious meal to prepare together. Choose something that everyone can help out with - from chopping vegetables to setting the table - and enjoy the results together.

INVITE

Invite friends over

Gather your closest friends for a lunch party. Make it potluck style so everyone can contribute, or assign dishes to each guest. Enjoy good conversation and lots of laughs while you share a meal.

VISIT

Visit a restaurant

Break up the monotony of the same old lunch routine by going out for lunch. Check out a new restaurant in your area and try something different, or enjoy an old favorite.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Spend your lunch break helping others by volunteering at a soup kitchen or local food pantry. Not only will you be making someone else's day brighter, but you'll also be doing something meaningful to celebrate National Make Lunch Count Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Make Lunch Count Day

It's an excellent way to show self-love

Taking the time to make sure you give yourself the best nourishment possible is one of the most selfless things you can do. Not only will it boost your energy levels during the day, but it's also a great way to show yourself some love and appreciation!

It encourages healthier eating habits

Making lunch count helps to emphasize the importance of mindful eating. It encourages us to make healthy choices that nourish our bodies and support our overall wellbeing. By taking a few moments to plan ahead, we can ensure that we have a balanced meal that will provide us with both physical and mental energy throughout the day.

It saves time and money

Packing your lunch can be both cost effective and time saving. Taking the time to prepare lunch ahead of time will help you avoid processed foods or takeout, which can add up quickly financially and in terms of calories. Plus, making your own lunch gives you the opportunity to customize it however you'd like!

Related holidays

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National Pack Your Lunch Day

A fun observance on March 10 encouraging people to pack homemade lunches to promote healthier eating, cost savings, and fresher meal choices over eating out.

School Lunch Hero Day

Show your appreciation for all the hardworking lunch staff on School Lunch Hero Day - send them a thank you note and a kind word!

International School Meals Day

An awareness observance on the third Wednesday of March promoting the nutritional quality of school meals worldwide and addressing the link between healthy eating, education, and reducing childhood hunger.

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