The Science History Institute is Launching a New Exhibit “Lunchtime: The History of Science on the Food Tray”

School was a memorable time for many of us. Aside from the class, sports, clubs, and recess, the one thing many of us remember was lunchtime. Whether the meals were good or bad, lunchtime was a time where students congregated with their clicks to gossip, spoon fight, rap, and catch up with friends. However, not many have put thought into the science behind school lunches until now.

The Science History Institute (315 Chestnut St.) is launching a new exhibit dubbed,  Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray which explores the surprising story behind one of the most familiar rites of passage—eating a school lunch and the best part is that it’s completely free to attend.

The exhibit which kicks-off September 27th will be on view through January 2026 and will offer a novel historical perspective on efforts to feed children in U.S. schools. Visitors will also learn about the unique and important Philadelphia connection in jumpstarting a national conversation around children’s access to food in the early 1900s.

To get things going, the Science History Institute will recreate those memorable lunchtime vibes with a special  opening celebration on Friday, September 27th  from 5pm–8pm. This free event will feature a school lunch-inspired tasting, curator’s talk, lunch-themed quizzo, and much more.

As for the exhibit itself, guests will get to enjoy nearly 250 years of rare scientific instruments, posters, pamphlets, photographs, and period editions of books popularizing new ideas about a “proper” diet, Lunchtime delves into the history of food science and the difficulty of feeding school children nationwide.

The exhibition also highlights innovations like dehydrated and frozen foods, preservatives, and cellophane, as well as the leading role the federal government played in the development of the school lunch.

Although, this event is free to attend, registration is required and can be done at sciencehistory.org/visit/exhibitions/lunchtime/