Get in the Game with School Lunch! National School Lunch Week is October 13-17, 2014

National School Lunch Week is just around the corner—are you ready to celebrate? We just love the NSLW 2014 theme, “Get in the Game with School Lunch!” Not only does it promote healthy eating, but the 2014 theme also encourages kids to be physically active, and we know that a healthy lifestyle has to include both. With National School Lunch Week just a few weeks away, we thought now would be the perfect time to make sure your school nutrition program has all of the tools it needs to celebrate and participate!

National School Lunch Week Toolkit

The National School Lunch Week 2014 Toolkit is your first stop for NSLW planning. The new theme offers great opportunities for sports and activity-themed tie-ins—decorations, games, menus, and more can be utilized to help you promote healthy school lunches. The toolkit recommends reaching out to the P.E. teacher to help out, and we also think reaching out to local coaches is a great way to amplify your NSLW 2014 message! According to a 2013 SNA survey, 80 percent of members participating in NSLW saw an increase in program participation.

Marketing NSLW 2014: The Emporium, Menu Marketing, & PR Resources

You can order official NSLW products and merchandise online through the SNA Emporium. You’ll find aprons, t-shirts, posters, tote bags, stickers, pencils, and much more. Your staff can wear aprons and t-shirts to raise awareness, and you can order items like stickers and pencils to share with students, or award as prizes.

Menu marketing help is also available through SNA’s NSLW resource pages. Get ideas for “spicing up” your menu, including renaming dishes with a “Get in the Game” theme, or adding fitness tips to menus; don’t forget to add the NSLW logos and artwork where you can!

Additional marketing and PR resources for NSLW are also available through SNA. Customizable PowerPoint presentations, a marketing plan template, an official NSLW press release, and more. We especially love the addition of Facebook art and NSLW Facebook tips for school districts! Leverage social media to widen your message, and spread the good news about healthy school food!

Logos and Artwork

SNA members need only to fill out a short form to receive permission to download NSLW 2014 logos and artwork. The colorful images are perfect to help you promote NSLW at your school; add the images to menus, tray liners, newsletters, and more. Facebook-ready profile and cover photos are also available for download. Questions about appropriate usage? Call SNA’s Service Center at 800-877-8822.

National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, October 15, 2014

Kids and parents both love the fun that comes along with Take Your Parent to Lunch Day. Generate interest and create an amazing experience for students and parents with SNA’s National Take Your Parents to Work Day resources.

Handouts for Kids and Parents

Make sure students and parents are aware and engaged in your National School Lunch Week celebration! SNA has provided activity sheets and a parent/student backpack brochure to make sure you have materials to help promote and celebrate NSLW.

How will your school be celebrating National School Lunch Week 2014? Share your ideas with us in the comments, or on Facebook & Twitter!