Step Right Up and 'Choose Water First' During National School Lunch Week

Step Right Up and 'Choose Water First' During National School Lunch Week

International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | October 9, 2026

Alexandria, Va. -- Ladies and gentlemen, students of all ages: the lunch bell is ringing and the show is about to begin. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is joining schools across the country in celebrating National School Lunch Week, October 12-16, by encouraging students, families, and educators to make one easy move at mealtime: Choose Water First.

This year's theme from the School Nutrition Association, "Cafeteria Circus: Where Nutrition Takes Center Stage!" shines the spotlight on the school nutrition professionals who plan, prepare, and serve meals to millions of students every school day. IBWA is cheering from the front row, and adding one more performer to the lineup: water.

"Every great school meal and snack needs a headliner, and water is a showstopper," says Matt Herrick, IBWA's president and CEO. "Water has no calories, no sugar, and no caffeine, and it goes with everything on the menu, from pizza to tacos. When kids choose water first, they are picking up a healthy habit that can last long after the final bell."

Water already has a reserved seat under the big top. Schools in the National School Lunch Program must offer free drinking water where lunch is served, but water is not part of the reimbursable meal, students are not required to take it, and no separate funding covers it. That means water is always in the wings, but it takes a little encouragement to bring it center stage. IBWA's Choose Water First campaign does just that, encouraging kids and the adults who care for them to reach for water, whether it comes from a fountain, a filling station, or a bottle.

"School nutrition teams are the real heroes," Herrick added. "They pull off an amazing balancing act every day to keep students fueled and ready to learn on a tight budget. National School Lunch Week is the perfect time to give them a standing ovation and to raise a glass of water in their honor."

Five ways to Choose Water First this week:

• Pack a headliner. Tuck a bottle of water into every lunchbox and backpack, so it is always within reach.
• Make it the opening act. Take a few sips of water before the first bite, and keep sipping throughout the meal.
• Add some razzle-dazzle. A slice of orange, a sprig of mint, or a few berries can turn a plain drink into a crowd-pleaser.
• Applaud the crew. Say thank you to the cafeteria team that makes school meals happen. A handmade card earns extra cheers.
• Stick the landing. When the bottle is empty, either refill your refillable bottle or put the cap back on and drop plastic bottles in the recycling bin. Bottled water containers are 100% recyclable.

Families and educators can find hydration tips and resources at choosewaterfirst.org and can join the celebration on social media using #ChooseWaterFirst and #NSLW26.

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Media Contact:
Jill Culora
[email protected]
703.647.4609

About the International Bottled Water Association

Founded in 1958, IBWA is the leading voice for the bottled water industry, which supports more than 617,000 jobs that generate $42.5 billion in wages and $163 billion in overall U.S. economic impact. IBWA provides members with professional services focused on advocacy, communications, technical services, and education to advance safe, healthy hydration and sustainable business practices. IBWA's membership consists of bottlers, distributors, and suppliers across the U.S. and around the world working to deliver the #1 packaged beverage to consumers everywhere. For more information about IBWA, please visit www.bottledwater.org.

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