In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, 14 million children across the country are struggling with hunger. Whether they’re learning in the classroom or in their homes, these children will need the healthy food provided by school meals.
While millions of students qualify for free and reduced-price meals, too many aren’t enrolled. This year, the crisis is even more severe than usual; many families are newly eligible and may not know they qualify for these meals. Many do not know how to apply. Many face an English-language barrier. Many school systems rely on outdated application processes that can make it challenging to reach families, especially when schools are not open for in-person learning.
The challenge now is to continue to make sure families in Virginia know these programs exist and how to apply for them. These tools can help you spread the word.
Tools To Connect Families with Free and Reduced-Price School Meals
As trusted messengers, schools and community organizations are an important source of information for families. This kit provides information and outreach tools to help connect students and families in your community with the nutrition they need. Please feel free to customize these assets with the local details and specifics that provide the right information to the parents and caretakers in your community.
- Social Media Kit: Images and Sample Posts in multiple languages which can be customized with specific information about free meal sites in your area.
- Two customizable LTE templates that can be edited and submitted to local newspapers for publication by partners, parents, educators and beyond.
- Sample radio blurb language to pitch to local radio stations, advising parents and caregivers to contact their schools about how to apply for free or reduced price meals for kids this school year.
Need additional templates or resources? Want to brainstorm other ways to get the word out in your community? Contact Catherine Spacciapoli at Cspacciapoli@strength.org.