Marketing & Communication
There are many ways to drive increased meal participation. Keep your nutritional programming as fresh as your food, and get students excited about what’s coming next. Here are a few suggestions.
Marketing Tips
Suggestions to help you keep it fresh!
Make it Fun!
Partner with local celebrities to infuse excitement
Host themed events to draw attention to meal service
Move to a playground or courtyard for a special occasion
Entertain students in the cafeteria with music or a live performance
Offer special items like Friday pizza or walking tacos
Spread the News!
Social media and PSAs are powerful ways to spread your message (See below for some social media post suggestions!)
Monthly themed events can keep your food service relevant
Live demos get attention! Recruit school chefs or administrators to prepare a featured menu item on a social video platform
Offer food vendors opportunities to distribute free promo items to drive traffic to your meal service
Post digital banner ads on learning platforms and district websites
Inspire students by inviting a local chef to visit
Adapt to Change!
Embrace the season with holiday or National Day menu items
Serve up meals in an innovative way such as build-your-own kits to keep students engaged with meals
Bring menus to life with photos, videos or Tik-Tok posts about featured foods
Create visual instruction pages so staff can serve meals easily and follow best safety practices
Promote healthy eating with a smarter lunchroom that influences kids toward choosing healthier, more nutritious foods
Watch for the latest programs from American Dairy Association North East to enhance your nutritional efforts
Social Media Suggestions
Use the following templates as thought-starters to create your own social media posts. (Be sure to fill in your district’s specific details.)
What’s New?
What’s new at [Insert name of school]? We now serve [name of dairy food/drink]! At breakfast and lunch, you can get [name of dairy food/drink] to enjoy with your meal. [Include image and hashtag]
Did You Know?
Everyone should be eating three servings of milk and dairy products a day? Get the dairy foods your body needs at all school meals. [Include image and hashtag]
Need a Pick-Me-Up?
One serving of dairy-delicious milk, cheese or yogurt with your meal gives you the protein and nutrients your body needs to feel good and gives you the energy you need to power through your day. [Include image and hashtag]
Charge Up Your Day!
Charge up your day with a dairy-delicious treat! Grab a [name of dairy food/drink] now available in the cafeteria. [Include image and hashtag]
Don’t Suffer From FOMO!
Have no fear – we’re here for you with plenty of dairy-delicious [name of dairy food/drink]. Don’t miss out on [name of dairy food/drink] now available in the cafeteria! [Include image and hashtag]