INSPIRATION TO GROW

BY JOSHUA SCHMIDT, 2022-2023 SNA-WI MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES CHAIR

Greetings from Shell Lake, I hope you are enjoying spring, whether you are going on walks outside, accomplishing yard work or new projects, or maybe even getting your seeds planted and garden area prepared. We had plenty of “this is enough winter” moments this year so I am enjoying the change of seasons and I am sure you are also.

Often the topic of advocating for school meals comes up within our industry. You may have different reactions to this. Maybe you think “We don’t advocate for school meals well at our school.” Or maybe, “That is my favorite part about this industry, we love advocating for school meals!” No matter where your thoughts align, know that you are not alone.

Personally, I had felt that we don’t advocate for our school meals well and I didn’t think I had anything to promote. I didn’t feel we did anything special or worth posting about. The truth is, we have plenty to promote. Maybe you feel that you don’t do anything special or outstanding, but that’s only a mindset. You feed children every day, you are part of a team that makes it happen every day for the students in your District. I bet the students would know if meals weren’t there. We have the opportunity to provide students with nutritious meals and you make a difference by being a part of that process. Be proud of what you do and the steps that you take to insure nutritious meals for the student body.

Here are a few things that we have been fortunate enough to have support with and to promote here in Shell Lake:

• Sending pictures of our school meals to be posted on social media.

• Speaking to the School Board to give them updates about our program. If you are able to be a part of this, please do! Getting in front of the School Board, even if it is to give an update, helps keep us on the forefront of their minds.

• Taking the opportunity to either send letters to our local representatives or speak at the Joint Finance Committee hearings is also a great way to advocate for school meals. Sending a letter may be easier than you think. Every action counts!

• Growing hydroponic lettuce and sharing pictures of the process. This has been a dream of mine for years and last year we were able to make it happen. We started small and the following year we were able to purchase a few more towers. Now, we provide around 90% of our district with lettuce we hyper-grow!

• Taste test with your students. This may seem daunting, if so, then ask a broker or a rep if they would come and host a taste testing. They usually are very willing to do so. This allows your students to experience new food and give them a chance to express their opinion, giving you insight into their likes/dislikes.

I hope these ideas inspire you. Whether you are big into promoting your program or wanting to get started and do more, I encourage you to set goals for the upcoming school year to promote what you do in your school. Ask your team and see what their view of your school meals are and/or what they would like to see promoted. Keep moving forward and striding toward being an advocate for your school meals and I’m sure you’ll find many ways to do so within your school district.

JOSHUA SCHMIDT MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES CHAIR | SCHMIDTJ@SHELLLAKE.K12.WI.US