Finances

We all know: budgets drive everything. School Meals for All can generate more revenue for your food service program, due to both the free reimbursement rate and an opportunity to gain new customers. Since the state pays for the meals (instead of students paying), many school food programs should be able to avoid lunch balance debt this year. The more meals you can serve, the more reimbursement your program will receive.

Additionally, since there are no financial obligations for students, School Meals for All can eliminate the stigma tied to eating meals at school. Every student can eat a school meal without worrying about family finances, debt, or possible “lunch shaming.” This is a huge step forward in creating a more equitable program.

Here are a few ideas:

• Work with your district’s communications department if available to you.
• Place School Meals for All language front and center on the district’s website, and make sure it communicates that all meals are permanently free in your state.
• Send a back-to-school newsletter or email blast to parents about School Meals for All, to encourage their children to participate in the school food program. Include links to your menu and pictures of appealing menu items.
• Promote appealing menu items and pictures on your social media channels. Let your audience know that healthy school meals are accessible all year.
• Connect with partners, including small and local businesses, to expand awareness around School Meals for All as well as your program’s overall serving efforts.
• Consider using posters and signs to encourage participation.

Additional Information

Check out some of our blog posts for additional information on ways you can maximize School Meals for All in your districts both inside and outside of school:

• Connecting Communities Through Scratch Cook School Food
  
• Conquering School Breakfast for All
• What’s Cooking in Your Home?
• NVUSD Accomplishing Scratch Cooking in Unprecedented Times