We absolutely love this year’s National School Lunch Week theme, “School Lunch Across America”! When we were in Kansas City last July for ANC 2013, we had so much fun hearing stories about students’ favorite dishes, which vary widely from state to state. Whether it’s biscuits in the South or spicy mac n’ cheese in Denver, the new theme is a great way to celebrate what makes us unique—and what unites us—when we sit down to eat school lunch together!
“School Lunch Across America” invites students and schools to look at their own regional flavors, ingredients, and traditions, as well as learn about those from across the country. National School Lunch Week is a great way to spread the word—to your students, their parents, and your community—that school lunch is better than ever.
You will find everything you need to celebrate NSLW 2013 online: from worksheets to press releases, from recipes to kids’ activities.
Tools to Get Started
This 20-page NSLW 2013 Toolkit comes complete with celebration ideas, marketing tips, and “regional inspiration” ideas. There is also a tip sheet with ideas to help you use social media to spread the word about National School Lunch Week, as well as associated events like “Take Your Parent to Lunch Day” and “Lunch with Your Legislators.”
Marketing and PR
Marketing is important to a successful National School Lunch Week, so be sure to take advantage of the presentations, templates, and logos/artwork provided online. There is even an official National School Lunch Week 2013 Proclamation, and official press releases for you to share with local reporters and news outlets.
Tools for Kids
Student activity sheets with brain teasers and puzzles, as well as backpack brochures for students and parents, are also provided to help you spread the word about NSLW 2013.
Regional Recipes
A helpful list of regional recipes has been posted online, to help you select a NSLW menu. How does Thai Sweet & Sour Chicken from Minnesota sound, or perhaps Cuban Chicken and Yellow Rice from Florida?