An official from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be in Mississippi on Tuesday to kick off National School Lunch Week.

Jackson Public Schools spokeswoman Peggy Hampton says deputy undersecretary Janey Thornton will visit Galloway Elementary School and eat lunch with students.

According to the USDA, more than 31 million students receive a nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free or reduced price lunch at their school. More fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and options with less sodium and less sugar are all now available to school food providers nationwide.

Thornton said providing healthy meals helps students develop eating habits for a lifetime.