Work with Schools

Teachers, principals, school nurses and cafeteria workers are the front line in the fight for children's health. They can be our strongest allies.

Ways to Work Together:

• Ask the school to send kids home with a letter for parents about the campaign. Here's a sample letter.
• Ask teachers to organize a lesson plan where kids write letters to Congress.
• Ask teachers, principals, nurses and cafeteria works to write or call Congress themselves. Consider partnering with teachers' unions on this project.
• Check out the school's event calendar, and see if there's an event for parents where you can host a table or lead a discussion.
• Ask the school's PTA if you can talk about the campaign at their next meeting.
• After the campaign, the next step can be to start a Slow Food in Schools project like planting a garden or organizing cooking classes.

Outreach Tips:

• Always be polite, respectful and direct. Recognize employees' hard work.
• It may be the case that the school is already working hard to provide kids with food that benefits their health. This campaign is an opportunity expand that work, and you can be a resource for the school.
• Approach school employees with a specific project or idea that you can work on together. Emphasize the goal (to give schools the ability to serve real food) and what it will take to get there.
• This campaign is an opportunity to build a deeper relationship between schools and local communities. Discuss your mutual long-term goals.