Follow these best practices to maximize participation at your meal site
- Post what’s for lunch everyday on social media with pictures. Use hashtag - #NEsummermeals
- Send a reminder postcard or email to families about the program before meal service starts
- Order a free USDA outreach kit and/or download NDE summer outreach material from this toolkit
- When your summer program ends, share info with kids about sites that remain open
- Host a Spike event at your site: Spike Events re-engage the community and increase summer meals participation by hosting a big enrichment activity, such as bringing in a petting zoo, or a musical performance, that keeps kids coming back. Or implement an incentive system (popsicle treat or small goodie back) to encourage kids to come back for a full week
- Use ‘special’ service days to create buzz and bring in more kids
For more details on best practices and resources, download the Nebraska SFSP Best Practices Toolkit
Use these social media posts to raise awareness of summer meals in Nebraska
1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year because of #COVID19. #NESummerMeals sponsors have stepped up to meet increased need. Find a meal site near you at http://ow.ly/46rK50zbeYn
Good nutrition never goes on vacation. Free summer meals available for all kids ages 1-18. Text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 for a lunch spot near you. #NESummerMeals
During these uncertain times, kids who rely on school meals shouldn’t fall through the cracks. You can find free meal sites near you by texting FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877. Please share this @NoKidHungry text line to ensure that kids get the critical meals they need. #NESummerMeals
More Locations Added! For free meals for kids ages 1-18, find a summer meals site near you. Text FOOD to 877-877 or visit http://ow.ly/46rK50zbeYn #NESummerMeals
Pair your posts with one of the following social media images
Download specially formatted images below that fit your choice of social media platform (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Instagram Story)
If you are interested in additional resources or want to learn more, please contact Eric Savaiano at esavaiano@neappleseed.org or 402-438-8853 ext. 126.