The UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation has developed a toolbox to be used by school districts to promote healthy eating, parental involvement, and student participation in school meals. For questions about this toolbox or to contact a Health, Hunger & Nutrition expert on our team, email communityhealth@uams.edu.
School Nutrition Toolbox
Customizable Meals
Encourage self-service and meal customization through customizable meals.
Customizable Meals
Family Cooking Night
Help students and families learn to prepare healthier meals and snacks through this school-based cooking event.
Family Cooking Night
Invite Parents to Lunch
Invite parents and guardians to lunch so they can learn firsthand about the school cafeteria environment.
Invite Parents to Lunch
Junior Master Chef
Junior Master Chef is a live student cooking competition supported by teachers and child nutrition staff.
Junior Master Chef
Limited Time Offers
Offer a promotional entrée or side dish for a short time to add novelty to the student meal experience.
Limited Time Offers
Promotional Videos
Videos can help students and parents learn more about the school meal program.
Promotional Videos
PTO Interaction
PTO meetings offer an opportunity for parents to engage with child nutrition staff and share ideas.
PTO Interaction
Salad Bar Makeover
Make noticeable changes to an existing salad bar, or learn how to develop a new one to provide your students healthy options at lunch.
Salad Bar Makeover
Student Cafeteria Campaign
Gather student insight and assistance to help learn about their preferences.
Student Cafeteria Campaign
Student Food Show
Host a special event to highlight new menu concepts for student testing and get real-time feedback for menu planning.
Student Food Show
Student-Led Lunchroom Assessment
This tool allows students to evaluate their lunchroom environment, so schools can make the changes necessary to continue offering the best meal experience.
Student-Led Lunchroom Assessment
Student Recipe Development
Reach students through a class activity or assignment that connects them to the school recipe development process.
Recipe Development
Taste Test Materials
Get real-time feedback on new or improved menu items through specialized taste test events.
Taste Test Materials