1. {Insert your school or district name here}
National School Lunch Week
October 15-19, 2018
{Insert your school
or district name here}
Copyright  2018 School Nutrition Association

2. Did you know?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) was signed into law in 1946 and serves 30 million students every school day!
National School Lunch Week (NSLW) was created in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to recognize the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life.
95% of U.S. elementary and secondary school students are enrolled in schools that participate in the NSLP.

3. Introducing Lots 2 Love
The 2018 National School Lunch Week theme “Lots 2 Love” is tailor-made to help us tell our school lunch story and highlight what makes our cafeteria such a special place for students to visit every day.

4. In the Spotlight
#NSLW18 is our opportunity to put school lunch in the spotlight—reminding students, families, staff and ourselves that the heart of every school beats in its cafeteria, and that school nutrition professionals serve love on every tray.

5. Why is NSLW Important? Helps us increase student participation
Reminds parents, administrators, and other stakeholders of the importance of a healthy school lunch for kids’ success
Provides an opportunity
to connect with local
media and spread the
message that school
lunch is healthy

6. Why Participate in NSLW?
NSLW projects the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life onto a national stage.
National observances tend to get the attention of the media.
NSLW campaigns help to elevate the school nutrition profession.
It’s an ideal occasion to invite lawmakers to visit our cafeteria.
It’s an opportunity to raise awareness at the local level about our operation’s achievements and the role our team members play.
It connects the children we serve to the people who serve them and the food they eat in new, creative and fun ways, boosting engagement and staff morale, along with our bottom line.
It’s an opportunity to tell our school lunch story—what makes it special, who the characters are, and how it all comes together to create a vibrant culinary experience for children that is unique to our team.

7. NSLW National Campaign Goals
Promote healthy menus and increase school lunch participation.
Raise awareness with key stakeholders and media about the importance of school meals and the role played by school nutrition professionals.
Expand the market for school lunch – online and off – using social media and traditional marketing materials.

8. Celebrate with Love
{Insert a slide(s) for your school or district celebration plans—here are some examples you can make your own}
Coordinate
An art and/or essay contest inviting students to describe a favorite school menu item or a beloved cafeteria employee. Decorate the cafeteria with the submissions.
Invite
Guest servers—a much loved principal, favorite local celebrity chef, or athlete—to work the lunch line. Don’t forget to share photos with the hashtag #NSLW18!
Create
New menu items for NSLW, or rename a current favorite to reflect the them (e.g., Chef Betty’s Pasta Love Bake, Heart Beets).

9. Celebrate with Love
{Insert a slide(s) for your school or district celebration plans—here are some more examples you can make your own}
Write
A “love note” about what you enjoy most about your job that can be displayed in the dining or serving area.
Make
#NSLW18 “heart collages” for the cafeteria and share on social media with the hashtag #Lots2Love.
Ask
Parents and staff to share their favorite school lunches when they were kids. Use this info in displays, newsletters and/or social media.

10. Share the Love
Facebook Cover Images
Instagram Meme

11. Social Media Dos & Don’ts
√ Use relevant hashtags: #NSLW18, #SchoolLunch, #lots2love, #schoollunchlove, #poweredbylove
X Share poor-quality photos. Move background objects out of frame, keep the camera steady and crop images instead of using the zoom.
√ Share photos of healthy menu options and special events with captions of what’s depicted.
X Post any photos of students without checking your school and/or district’s policy regarding photo-media releases.
√ Think about who uses what platform; students use Instagram and Snapchat, while parents prefer Twitter and Facebook.
X Limit yourself to posting just the week of NSLW—promote and generate excitement ahead of time and follow up with a post-NSLW update.

12. #NSLW18 Infographic
Download the #NSLW18 Infographic to share with parents and on social media!
This one-page flyer outlines key benefits of the NSLW program—available in English and Spanish.

13. Merchandise to Love
Show your love for school lunch by purchasing #Lots2Love gear. The SNA Emporium Shop has lots of new items to choose from in all price ranges! Visit today!

14. Marketing & PR Resources
Resources to Love
SNA’s NSLW18 website has many more resources to “share the love” about school lunch week – visit for ideas, tips, and more!
Activity Sheets
Use our downloadable coloring sheets and games for fun and easy ways to engage younger students.
Artwork & Logos
Download the official #NSLW18 artwork & logos to create marketing materials and use on social media.
Marketing & PR Resources
Make it official! Request that the mayor or city council proclaim October 15-19, 2018 National School Lunch Week with a proclamation, and use the press release to reach out to the media.

15. Copyright  2018 School Nutrition Association
Thank You For Your Time!
Copyright  2018 School Nutrition Association