Healthy School Meals for All - Communications Toolkit

Overview

As districts and schools prepare to implement the Health School Meals for All program, it will be critical to raise awareness about the importance of families continuing to fill out the household income form even though it is no longer required to access free or reduced-priced meals. 

CDE has created communications materials to assist with this effort. As always, these materials are designed to be customized by districts and schools. In this toolkit you will find:

• Key messages/talking points 
• Template letter for families
• One-page flier
• Social media posts and graphics 
• Website copy 
• Robocall scripts 
• Sample text messages 
• Newsletter write-ups 

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Talking points / key messages

• The new Healthy School Meals for All Program is helping make sure Colorado children and teens have access to nutritious food by providing the opportunity for districts to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students at participating schools.
• Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the program – which is made possible thanks to the support of Colorado voters — is available to all school districts that choose to participate.
• Just like in previous years, it's important for families to still provide their household income information when requested by their district. While meals will be provided for free to all students in participating schools, it's important for districts to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding.
• Additional funds will go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals, and will also support afterschool activities and other nutritional programs for students.
• Plus, families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more.
• Having household income information is also important for establishing Summer EBT eligibility. Families that qualify for Summer EBT will receive $120 per child each summer to purchase groceries.
• All household income information provided to your school district is strictly confidential and protected. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.
• Contact your school's nutrition department for details about which form to complete and for more information. Learn more about Healthy School Meals for All at www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/healthy-school-meals-for-all-program.

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Templates for parent-facing letter

Dear [District] Families,

All students in [District] will have access to free healthy, nutritious school meals beginning in the 2023-24 school year thanks to the Health School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters.

Our District is very excited to participate in the program. Here is some additional information and a few important reminders about what this means for our schools and families.

• Please continue to fill out the [name of form]. While meals will be provided for free to all [District] students through Healthy School Meals for All, it's important for us to continue gathering this information to receive full access to available federal funds that support nutritional programs at your school.
  We ask all [District] families to please complete the [name of form, consider linking to or attaching it] during registration for the upcoming school year. By providing this information, you will help our district access all available funds to cover the cost of meals, and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, families who fill out the form may qualify to receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more!
• All household income information provided through this form is strictly confidential and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.

If you have questions about completing the [name of form], please contact your school's nutrition department. Learn more about the Healthy School Meals for All program in this short video:

Estimadas familias de [Distrito],

Todos los estudiantes en [Distrito] tendrán acceso a comidas escolares saludables y nutritivas gratuitas a partir del año escolar 2023-24 gracias al programa de Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos aprobado por los votantes de Colorado.

Nuestro distrito está muy emocionado de participar en el programa. Aquí encontrará información adicional y algunos recordatorios importantes sobre lo que esto significa para nuestras escuelas y familias.

• Por favor, continúe llenando el [nombre del formulario].  Si bien las comidas se proporcionarán de forma gratuita a todos los estudiantes del [Distrito] a través de Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos, es importante que continuemos recopilando esta información para recibir acceso completo a los fondos federales disponibles que apoyan los programas nutricionales en su escuela. Pedimos a todas las familias del [Distrito] que completen el [nombre del formulario, consideren vincularlo o adjuntarlo] durante el periodo de inscripción para el próximo año escolar. Al proporcionar esta información, ayudará a nuestro distrito a acceder a todos los fondos disponibles para cubrir el costo de las comidas y otros programas nutricionales para los estudiantes. Además, las familias que llenen el formulario pueden calificar para recibir tarifas escolares con descuento, materiales de clase, pases de autobús, apoyo de servicios públicos y más.
• Toda la información de ingresos del hogar proporcionada a través de este formulario es estrictamente confidencial y está protegida por la ley. Solo se requiere un formulario para todos los niños del hogar. No se requiere proporcionar su estatus migratorio, de migrante, de ciudadanía o de refugiado al completar el formulario.

Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo completar el [nombre del formulario], comuníquese con el departamento de nutrición de su escuela. Obtenga más información sobre el programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos en este breve video.

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One-pager

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Social media posts:

1. Heads-up post

[School District] is excited to offer free [breakfast and/or lunch] to all students thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All program! Even though meals will be provided for free, it's important for families to continue sharing household income information in order for our schools to receive full access to federal funding. Keep an eye out for more information and steps you can take during school registration.

[Distrito Escolar] se complace en ofrecer [desayuno o almuerzo] gratis a todos los estudiantes gracias al programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos. A pesar de que las comidas se proporcionarán de forma gratuita, es importante que las familias continúen compartiendo información sobre los ingresos del hogar para que nuestras escuelas reciban acceso completo a los fondos federales. Esté atento a más información y a los pasos que puede seguir durante el periodo de inscripción escolar.

2. Once form is live

Do you want your school to receive as much funding as possible for healthy school meals and other programs to support students? We all do! That's why it's important for families to share their household income information as part of the registration process. Be sure to fill out the [name of form] as part of your back-to-school checklist!

¿Desea que su escuela reciba la mayor cantidad de fondos posible para comidas escolares saludables y otros programas para apoyar a los estudiantes? ¡Todos queremos eso! Es por eso que es importante que las familias compartan la información de ingresos de su hogar como parte del proceso de inscripción. Asegúrese de completar el [nombre del formulario] como parte de su lista de verificación para el regreso a clases.

3. Reminder

We're excited that all students will receive free [meals] through The Healthy School Meals for All program! With that in mind, it's still important for [School District] to gather household income information to support after school activities and nutritional programs. Complete the form today so your school doesn't miss out!

Estamos entusiasmados de que todos los estudiantes reciban [comidas] gratuitas a través del programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos. Con eso en mente, sigue siendo importante que el [Distrito Escolar] recopile información sobre los ingresos del hogar para apoyar las actividades extracurriculares y los programas nutricionales. ¡Complete el formulario hoy para que su escuela no se lo pierda!

4. Family benefits

Did you know by filling out the [form] you may qualify to receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more? All info is confidential and protected – so take action today!

¿Sabía usted que...? ¿...al completar el [formulario] puede calificar para recibir tarifas escolares con descuento, materiales de clase, pases de autobús, apoyo de servicios públicos y más? Toda la información es confidencial y está protegida, ¡así que actúe hoy mismo!

Social media images:

Instructions:

To save image files individually, click on a link below and on the next page, right-click and Save As to save the image to your device. You may also download a folder of all social media images (ZIP). All images are  high-quality and 1080x1080 pixels square.

Images:

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Newsletter Write Ups:

District to schools

Healthy School Meals for All Program & Important Reminders for Families

[District] is excited to participate in the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters, which provides all students in our district with access to free, nutritious [breakfast and/or lunch]. See this flier to learn more.

Just like in previous years, families should continue to provide their household income information by filling out the [name of form]. While meals will be provided for free to all students in participating schools, it's important to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding, which goes directly back to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after school and other nutritional programs.

Please encourage your families to complete the [form] during registration. To support, the Colorado Department of Education has created these helpful resources for schools, available in English and Spanish:

• Healthy School Meals for All one-page flier
• Newsletter write-up to share with families
• Social media posts and graphics
• Robo call script and text messages
• Family-facing template letter

Thank you for your support in helping maximize federal funding for our district and schools. If you have any questions, please reach out to [contact].

 

Programa de Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos y recordatorios importantes para las familias

           [Distrito] se complace en participar en el programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos aprobado por los votantes de Colorado, que brinda a todos los estudiantes de nuestro distrito acceso a [desayuno y/o almuerzo] nutritivo y gratuito. Consulte este folleto para obtener más información.

Al igual que en años anteriores, las familias deben continuar proporcionando la información de ingresos de su hogar completando el [nombre del formulario]. Si bien las comidas se proporcionarán de forma gratuita a todos los estudiantes en las escuelas participantes, es importante continuar recopilando esta información para recibir acceso completo a los fondos federales, que regresan directamente a las escuelas para ayudar a cubrir el costo de las comidas y apoyar los programas extracurriculares y otros programas nutricionales.

Por favor, anime a sus familias a completar el [formulario] durante el periodo de inscripción. Para apoyar, el Departamento de Educación de Colorado ha creado estos útiles recursos para las escuelas, disponibles en inglés y español:

• Folleto de una página de Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos
• Redacción del boletín para compartir con las familias
• Publicaciones y gráficos en redes sociales
• Guion para llamadas automáticas y mensajes de texto
• Plantilla de carta dirigida a las familias

Gracias por su apoyo para ayudar a maximizar los fondos federales para nuestro distrito y nuestras escuelas. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con [contacto].

Schools to families

Free Meals for Students, Plus Important Reminders for Families

           We are excited to share that all students will receive free [breakfast and/or lunch] through the Healthy School Meals for All program! This statewide program, approved by Colorado voters, is helping Colorado children and teens have access to nutritious food at our school. See this flier to learn more.

Even though [breakfast and/or lunch] will be provided for free, we need families to continue sharing household income information through [form] in order for our school to receive full access to federal funding. These additional funds will go directly back to [school] to help cover the cost of meals, and will also support after school activities and other nutritional programs. Plus, families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more! As always, all household income information will be kept confidential and protected by law. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.

Be sure to fill out the [form] as part of your back-to-school registration! If you have questions or would like additional support, please reach out to [school nutrition department/best contact] for more information.

 

Comidas gratis para los estudiantes, además de recordatorios importantes para las familias

           ¡Nos complace compartir que todos los estudiantes recibirán [desayuno y/o almuerzo] gratis a través del programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos! Este programa estatal, aprobado por los votantes de Colorado, ayuda a los niños y adolescentes de Colorado a tener acceso a alimentos               nutritivos en nuestra escuela. Vea este folleto para obtener más información.

A pesar de que [el desayuno o el almuerzo] se proporcionarán de forma gratuita, necesitamos que las familias continúen compartiendo información sobre los ingresos del hogar a través del [formulario] para que nuestra escuela reciba acceso completo a los fondos federales. Estos fondos adicionales volverán directamente a la[escuela] para ayudar a cubrir el costo de las comidas, y también apoyarán las actividades extracurriculares y otros programas nutricionales. Además, las familias que califican pueden recibir tarifas escolares con descuento, materiales de clase, pases de autobús, apoyo de servicios públicos y más. Como siempre, toda la información de ingresos del hogar se mantendrá confidencial y protegida por la ley. No se requiere proporcionar su estatus migratorio, de migrante, de ciudadanía o de refugiado al completar el formulario.

Asegúrese de completar el [formulario] como parte de su proceso de inscripción para el regreso a clases. Si tiene preguntas o desea apoyo adicional, comuníquese con [departamento de nutrición escolar / mejor contacto] para obtener más información.

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Website Copy:

[Headline] Healthy School Meals for All

[School/District] is participating in the Healthy School Meals for All program! Approved by Colorado voters, the new program enables districts to offer free meals to all students.

Important Reminders for Families

Just like in previous years, families should continue to provide their household income information by completing the [name of form]. While meals will be provided for free to all [District] students through Healthy School Meals for All, it's important for us to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to available federal funding.

By providing this information, you will be supporting our district in accessing additional federal funds that will go directly to our schools to help cover the cost of meals, as well as after school programs and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more!

[button: Fill out the (form name)]

Family Information is Always Confidential

All household income information provided is strictly confidential and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household. Immigration, migrant, citizenship or refugee status is not required when completing the form.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like support completing the [form], please reach out to your school's nutrition department or [other contact].

[Encabezado] Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos

¡[escuela/distrito] está participando en el programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos! Aprobado por los votantes de Colorado, el nuevo programa permite a los distritos ofrecer comidas gratuitas a todos los estudiantes.

Recordatorios importantes para las familias

Al igual que en años anteriores, las familias deben continuar proporcionando la información de ingresos de su hogar completando el [nombre del formulario]. Si bien las comidas se proporcionarán de forma gratuita a todos los estudiantes del [Distrito] a través de Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos, es importante que continuemos recopilando esta información para recibir acceso completo a los fondos federales disponibles.

Al proporcionar esta información, usted estará apoyando a nuestro distrito para que acceda a fondos federales adicionales que irán directamente a nuestras escuelas para ayudar a cubrir el costo de las comidas, así como los programas extracurriculares y otros programas nutricionales para los estudiantes. Además, las familias que califican pueden recibir tarifas escolares con descuento, materiales de clase, pases de autobús, apoyo de servicios públicos y más.

[botón: Complete el (nombre del formulario)]

La información familiar siempre es confidencial

Toda la información de ingresos del hogar proporcionada es estrictamente confidencial y está protegida por la ley. Solo se requiere un formulario para todos los niños del hogar. No se requiere proporcionar su estatus migratorio, de migrante, de ciudadanía o de refugiado al completar el formulario.

¿Preguntas?

Si tiene preguntas o desea ayuda para completar el [formulario], comuníquese con el departamento de nutrición de su escuela o con [otro contacto].

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Robocall Scripts:

Once form is live

This is a message from [district/school]. We are excited to be a part of the Healthy School Meals for All program, which will provide free [breakfast and/or lunch] to all [district/school] students. While meals will be provided for free, we wanted to remind families to please submit the [form] and share your household income information for our schools to receive full access to federal funding. All information is confidential and protected by law, so please be sure to fill out the [form] as part of your back-to-school registration. If you have questions, reach out to [contact].

Este es un mensaje de [distrito/escuela]. Estamos entusiasmados de ser parte del programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos, que proporcionará [desayuno o almuerzo] gratis a todos los estudiantes del [distrito/escuela]. Si bien las comidas se proporcionarán de forma gratuita, queríamos recordarles a las familias que envíen el [formulario] y compartan la información de ingresos de su hogar para que nuestras escuelas reciban acceso completo a lo fondos federales. Toda la información es confidencial y está protegida por la ley, así que asegúrese de completar el [formulario] como parte de su proceso de inscripción para el regreso a clases. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con [contacto].

Reminder message

This is a message from [district/school]. We wanted to share a reminder with families to please complete the [name of form], for those who haven't already. While all students will have access to free meals through the Healthy School Meals for All program starting this year, it's important for [district] to continue gathering this information in order to receive full access to federal funding to help cover the cost of meals and other nutritional programs. If you haven't already, please take action today and fill out the [form] during back-to-school registration. If you have questions, reach out to [contact].

Este es un mensaje de [distrito/escuela]. Queríamos compartir un recordatorio con las familias para que completen el [nombre del formulario], para aquellos que aún no lo han hecho. Si bien todos los estudiantes tendrán acceso a comidas gratuitas a través del programa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos a partir de este año, es importante que el [distrito] continúe recopilando esta información para recibir acceso completo a los fondos federales para ayudar a cubrir el costo de las comidas y otros programas nutricionales. Si aún no lo ha hecho, tome medidas hoy y complete el [formulario] durante el periodo de inscripción para el regreso a clases. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con [contacto].

Sample Text Message (160 characters):

Text 1:

If you haven't already, please complete the [name of form] to help [district] receive full access to federal funding and support healthy food in schools.

Si aún no lo hace, llene el [form] para ayudar a [distrito] a recibir acceso completo a fondos federales y apoyar la alimentación saludable en las escuelas.

Text 2:

All [district] students will receive free meals this year, but it's important to still complete the [name of form] during registration. [bitly.xxxxxxxxx]

Todos los estudiantes de [distrito] tendrán comidas gratis este año, pero es importante llenar el [form] durante el periodo de inscripción. [bitly.xxxxxxxxx]

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