Objective: To investigate nutrition literacy among parents of students in Bengbu, China, and examine their awareness of school lunches and satisfaction, so as to provide a basis for improving students nutrition. Methods: Using a random cluster sampling method, this study carried out a survey among parents of students in grade 2, grade 5, and grade 8 from four primary and middle schools in the central and surrounding urban areas of Bengbu. A total of 2 051 parents were surveyed. Results: The qualified rate of nutritional knowledge was 13.0% and the qualified rate of nutritional behavior was 63.0%. The qualified rate of nutritional knowledge behavior was 25.1%. The proportion of breakfasts consisting of at least three food groups was 28.3%. Nutritional knowledge was largely acquired through the Internet, accounting for 54.6%. The convenience of school lunches was identified as the main reason that parents opted for the school lunch program (86.7%). Parents satisfaction with school lunches was 56.8%. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the nutritional knowledge education of parents, and to enhance communication between schools and parents, as well as between parents and children.