Summary
A practical tool for School Food Service Directors
Increase Transparency
Ingredient & Nutrition Transparency
□ Share full ingredient lists
□ Provide nutritional details for each menu item
□ Highlight allergen and special diet options
□ Explain how meals meet USDA standards
□ Post menus online regularly
□ Showcase local or Michigan-sourced ingredients
Kitchen Transparency
□ Share photos of your prep areas and serving lines
□ Post short videos of food being prepared
□ Spotlight staff certifications or training
□ Communicate food safety processes publicly
Engage Parents Directly
Taste Tests & Events
□ Host parent taste tests
□ Offer “Try It With Us” sample days
□ Invite parents to eat lunch with their child
□ Feature new menu items at open houses or conferences
Kitchen Tours
□ Offer in-person kitchen tours
□ Provide virtual photo tours
□ Explain temperature controls, equipment zones, and safety steps
□ Show before/after improvements if equipment was upgraded
Improve Communication
Communication Channels
□ Use newsletters to highlight new meals and updates
□ Share weekly or monthly features on social media
□ Create a “School Kitchen Updates” page on your website
□ Use morning announcements to share menu highlights
□ Send home printed flyers for families without internet access
Key Messages
□ Focus on freshness and scratch-made items
□ Highlight staff’s dedication and passion
□ Celebrate student feedback and favorite meals
□ Share data on participation, nutrition, and meal quality
Address Common Concerns Head-On
Provide Clear Answers About:
□ Nutrition and calories
□ Whole grain and sodium requirements
□ Fresh vs. processed ingredients
□ Portion sizes (elementary vs. middle vs. high school)
□ How special diets and allergies are handled
□ Costs and financial benefits of school meals
□ How equipment improvements support safety and quality
Myth-Busting
□ Create a “Myth vs. Fact” sheet
□ Use real data to correct misconceptions
□ Share success stories from students or parents
□ Highlight improvements made this school year
Highlight the Value of School Meals
Show Why School Meals Are a Smart Choice
□ Compare cost vs. packed lunches
□ Emphasize convenience for busy families
□ Explain how school meals reduce food insecurity
□ Showcase balanced meals that follow USDA guidelines
□ Share local partnerships (farm-to-school, community gardens)
Leverage Equipment to Build Confidence
Demonstrate Quality Through Your Tools
□ Keep kitchen areas tidy and well-organized
□ Ensure equipment looks clean and professional
□ Use updated warmers and ovens for consistent food quality
□ Display fresh-prep capabilities (mixers, blenders, steamers)
□ Share that your school uses commercial-grade equipment
□ Highlight recent upgrades to reassure parents
Build Ongoing Trust
□ Survey parents annually
□ Host quarterly “Nutrition Q&A” sessions
□ Collect student satisfaction feedback
□ Celebrate improvements and milestones
□ Share plans for future upgrades or menu enhancements
□ Maintain consistent, proactive communication
