Nutrition Templates
Energize Your Cafeteria!
- Is your cafeteria open to redesigning its space or developing a performance space to make it more student-friendly?
- Does your school have architecture, music, theater, or arts programs, an enthusiastic group of parent volunteers, vendors or home improvement stores nearby, or other resources that can tap into?
- Is there funding that you can use to make small, medium, or large changes to your space?
- Are there ways that you could combine your new vibrant cafeteria with better marketing, fresher food choices, or changes to school policies that get more students to breakfast?
Many cafeterias across the country are transforming themselves into “student commons” where you can enjoy your meals, socialize, and gather together for community events. While a total cafeteria makeover may not be within your Students Taking Charge budget, transforming a space doesn’t have to break the bank. Use donated paint, contributions from student artists and performers, easy changes to the room’s circulation pattern, and more. By creatively utilizing your existing space—and tapping into the talent and resources of your STC group, your school, and your community—you can have a cafeteria that you’re proud to be in.
Do YOU want a more vibrant cafeteria at your school? First, investigate! There are lots of reasons why students might be skipping breakfast or leaving for lunch. You wouldn’t want to focus on an awesome mosaic of the school’s mascot—Go, Buffalos!—if it’s really the “mystery meat” (um, buffalo?) that’s an issue. Even the most colorful café needs policies and promotions that support it! But if 1950’s mint green cinder block is just not cutting it anymore, it may be time for your Students Taking Charge group to partner with your cafeteria staff, connect with key teachers and student leaders, and mobilize your friends to design a cafeteria for the 21st century.
Read on to find out how!
Energize Your Cafeteria!
- Is your cafeteria open to redesigning its space or developing a performance space to make it more student-friendly?
- Does your school have architecture, music, theater, or arts programs, an enthusiastic group of parent volunteers, vendors or home improvement stores nearby, or other resources that can tap into?
- Is there funding that you can use to make small, medium, or large changes to your space?
- Are there ways that you could combine your new vibrant cafeteria with better marketing, fresher food choices, or changes to school policies that get more students to breakfast?
Many cafeterias across the country are transforming themselves into “student commons” where you can enjoy your meals, socialize, and gather together for community events. While a total cafeteria makeover may not be within your Students Taking Charge budget, transforming a space doesn’t have to break the bank. Use donated paint, contributions from student artists and performers, easy changes to the room’s circulation pattern, and more. By creatively utilizing your existing space—and tapping into the talent and resources of your STC group, your school, and your community—you can have a cafeteria that you’re proud to be in.
Do YOU want a more vibrant cafeteria at your school? First, investigate! There are lots of reasons why students might be skipping breakfast or leaving for lunch. You wouldn’t want to focus on an awesome mosaic of the school’s mascot—Go, Buffalos!—if it’s really the “mystery meat” (um, buffalo?) that’s an issue. Even the most colorful café needs policies and promotions that support it! But if 1950’s mint green cinder block is just not cutting it anymore, it may be time for your Students Taking Charge group to partner with your cafeteria staff, connect with key teachers and student leaders, and mobilize your friends to design a cafeteria for the 21st century.
Read on to find out how!
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Steal These Ideas
Brainstorming as a school
Sometimes a group of 6 or 8 students can have hard time deciding how to make their school a healthier place. While surveys, interviews, and focus groups can all help, one school in Kansas decided to bring their whole student body together for two Students Taking Charge forums.
Seeing is believing
Are you getting a lot of resistance from your principal or school nutrition director? Does it seem like you're just not speaking their language? Or do they not understand what your changes will really look like? Find out how Northampton High School took their school leaders to visit another high school that has already put their ideas into action!