On the internet it’s easy to forget that the US education system is extremely heterogeneous. There isn’t one set of practices or laws that are shared across the country. It’s very local.
For me, I can barely remember school provided lunches existing as something that a small handful of students got. The majority of students brought a lunchbox from home that our parents prepared.
Yup, we had "hot lunch" available or you could bring your own. Some kids had meal cards that got them free lunch (or maybe just reduced lunch? I was like 8 years old so I don't remember.)
For me, I can barely remember school provided lunches existing as something that a small handful of students got. The majority of students brought a lunchbox from home that our parents prepared.