Student and Family Engagement in School Meals

Stakeholder buy-in is essential for any successful project, as they are influential in implementation and sustainability. When students and family members have opportunities to provide both suggestions and feedback for school meals and other foods and beverages sold, served, and offered on school campus, schools are better equipped to support healthy and enjoyable eating. This resource provides ideas on how schools can gather student and family input on school meals, foods, and beverages. Schools that provide opportunities for both students and their families to weigh in on school foods and beverages can also meet an important criterion (NS-9) for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s National Healthy Schools Award and Family Engagement Distinction.