Show Your Value Through Promotions

School Nutrition teams are uniquely qualified to lead promotions and turn their cafeteria into a classroom. They see students every day, hear about what they like and know what they’re afraid to try. They understand the rhythm and culture of the school. That close connection makes them the perfect group to create events that demonstrate school nutrition’s value beyond the serving line. Think of promotions as fun nutrition education lessons that help students learn about and try new foods.

A promotion doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as a quick taste test for a potential menu item, a featured fruit or vegetable of the week, or celebrating a special day. Some promotions connect meals to what students are learning in class, highlight a local ingredient, or invite students to vote on their favorite entree. Promotions are great opportunities to put the spotlight on school nutrition teams. If you’re looking for prize ideas, why not give away “back of the house” tours or lunch with the cafeteria team? Help students see the cafeteria as a valued part of the school.

Need inspiration? The School Nutrition Association’s Creation Calendar is full of promotion ideas. USDA Team Nutrition has free resources to help plan and conduct taste testing events.

Promotions don’t have to create extra work, but they do have to be planned. Successful promotions follow four simple steps.

1. Set a Goal

Instead of starting with “what” event to do, start with “why” you want to do an event. Identify the change you want to see and decide on one clear goal. A promotion isn’t just something fun to do. It should solve a problem or create momentum. Ask questions like:

• Are we trying to increase participation on a low-count day?

• Do students forget to take fruit or vegetables?

• Is there a new menu item we need to introduce?

• Can we connect this meal to something happening in the classroom?

  
  

Promotions are most powerful when they’re tied to a real outcome, not just a theme.

2. Make a Plan

Once the goal is set, plan the details. A successful promotion works with your operation, not against it. Consider doing a promotion around a menu already in place to encourage more students to try it. Planning early allows the promotion to fit into the normal workflow. A Promotion Planner helps make sure nothing is missed. Attention to details keeps the promotion organized, not overwhelming.

3. Communicate

Promotions only work if people know they’re happening. Everyone responds better when they understand why the promotion matters. Instead of just announcing an event, explain what makes it special:

• Is it nutrition education?

• Is it from a local farm?

• Is it tied to a science or history lesson?

• Are students voting on it?

Share the goal with staff and provide simple talking points. Inform teachers and administrators so they can reinforce the message. Use multiple communication tools including signage, announcements, newsletters, staff email, and social media to build awareness and excitement. When students understand what’s special, they’re far more likely to participate.

4. Measure Results

Every promotion should end with a quick review. Look at participation numbers, servings, student feedback, and staff observations. Talk about what worked and what you would change next time.

Measuring results shows whether the effort paid off. When participation increases, it strengthens the case for more labor hours and continued investment in the program.

Final Thoughts

Planned promotions build excitement around healthy school meals and shine a spotlight on school nutrition staff. Hardworking teams become visible beyond the cafeteria by showing teachers, administrators, and families that school nutrition is connected to learning and student success.

Promotions also increase participation, generating more revenue for labor hours, higher wages and better equipment. By using their creativity, teams can directly affect their cafeteria’s financial performance. When promotions increase participation, they help fund more labor hours—and that can lead to bigger paychecks.