March 28, 2012

Successful School Meal Marketing: Student Advisory Groups Help

HEAR

With the new school meal guidelines in place, now is a great time to promote the positive, healthy meals and explore the changes kids will be seeing at your school! One of your best strategies could be creating a Student Advisory Group.

These groups link school nutrition services, students and staff as they provide insight, problem-solve school meal issues, and bring fun and enthusiasm to the process. Take the steps below to get a group started!

SEE

• School Nutrition Association "Student Advisory Groups" - more information about student advisory groups
• Explore MyPlate™ Event Guide - shows how to set up and implement a walk through MyPlate activity
• Ready, Set, Cook and Eat™ Event Guide - for planning a cook-off and interactive event promoting basic cooking skills and healthy eating

1. Select your group. Keep your eyes open for kids that show interest in the school meals and are "regular eaters". Also, ask teachers to help you pick.
   
   
2. Prepare for the first meeting. Mail invitations to prospective members regarding the first meeting. Briefly explain why they have been chosen, the agenda and that food will be offered! Provide new menu item samples to taste test and get feedback right off the start.
   
   
3. Discuss potential projects. Get a feel for your group's personality and interests by sharing possible group activities. Ideas could include:
   
   • school meal marketing campaigns
   • health fairs that include a fun, interactive nutrition education event such as Explore MyPlate
   • menu development and taste testing
   • peer surveys
   • wellness and nutrition education programs that teach healthy eating and cooking skills, such as the Ready, Set, Cook, and Eat cook-off
   
   
   
4. Have fun! Make the meetings short and projects enjoyable to keep the kids involved.

HKC can offer student advisory group development at your next school nutrition services training session. Contact us about our workshops and trainings!

A handy “cut and paste” tip for your parent or staff newsletters!

The New Look of School Meals
Recently the new USDA School Nutrition Standards were released and schools will be implementing healthy changes in school meals such as more fruits and veggies, increased whole grain products and lower fat foods. When was the last time you ate a school lunch or breakfast?

Schedule a time with each of your kids to dine with them at school. You'll appreciate the effort taking place for healthier school meals!

"Don't let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow. Live for today." -- Nandina Morris

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HKC-CIGNA Making Strides School, Moss Park Elementary of Orlando, Florida, saw positive results from promoting healthy food messages in the cafeteria!

Deb Wood, School Foodservice manager, hung colorful healthy, food posters and kids were recognized for healthy lunch choices they made. Through her promotion efforts, Deb saw an overall increase in fruit & veggie consumption along with a 10% increase in lunch participation! Read more.

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