As a K-12 foodservice operator you impact the lives of students year-round, even in the summertime when your school offers a Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program. Filling the nutrition gap during the summer months to make sure your students can get the nutritious meals they need is a big task, but you don’t have to go it alone. Together, we can keep kids fueled and growing throughout the summer, so they can return to school ready to learn.
In addition to offering a portfolio of trusted products that are simple to implement for summer feeding, General Mills Foodservice is here to provide guidance and resources to help your summer program succeed. Learn more below about ways to plan for a rewarding season of well-rounded summer feeding.
This summer, partner with General Mills Foodservice to bring the products students love to your summer feeding program. Kickstart your menu with recognizable brands featuring nutrient-rich, regulation-ready products and keep kids in mind when planning menus. From 2 oz. equivalent grain cereal cups and cereal bowlpaks to individually wrapped items and, meet nutrition guidelines while providing options that students want to eat.
One of the most important things to do to make sure students eat at your site this summer is to get the word out. Keep your message straightforward and utilize various platforms to share info about your summer feeding site. Physical posters and flyers can be posted at school, local businesses, community gathering places, and sent home with students. Additionally, email blasts and social media can help to reinforce the information.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has a comprehensive Summer Meals Toolkit that includes everything from ideas for social media captions to prerecorded Summer Meals PSAs that you can send to your local radio station.
Incorporating local food into summer meals promotes the economy of the community and healthful eating. Additionally, it’s a great way to engage students and their guardians in summer-long learning. Identify and connect with community-supported agriculture programs and local farms or markets to find out more about seasonal produce.
Share information about your summer meals program and the potential that including local food has in benefiting not only the program, but the greater community. Consider hosting events during the summer that showcase local ingredients and partners allowing them to share their experience and knowledge with students and parents.
Expand the reach of summer meals by securing partners in the community and combining resources creatively. Through local businesses and community groups you can improve awareness and get the word out about your summer feeding program. Beyond promotion, some organizations may even be able to help with space, transportation, volunteering, or enrichment opportunities. Sites that offer activities alongside summer meals create a fun, welcoming environment and draw greater youth attendance.
Wherever you serve up summer meals, you can elevate your program with activities for students to enjoy at the meal site or to take home. Our Serve Up Summer Yum toolkit is full of easy-to-use downloadable activities to help engage students and create community.
When kids participate in summer meals programs, the effects of food insecurity are decreased, they continue learning, and have improved opportunities for connection. It truly takes a village to make sure no kid goes without nutritious meals. Keep these resources on hand as you start planning for summer feeding. Lean on us, and your community, for the help you need.