Stronger Teams, Healthier Futures | January 2026

TIME FOR THE TEA WITH RACHEL

Why SOCIAL MEDIA Matters More Than You Think in School Nutrition

BY RACHEL BARTLETT

L et’s talk about social media. And yes, cue the eye rolls. Don’t worry, I’m not here to tell you “you have to be on social because everyone else is.” No guilt. No shaming. No trendy buzzwords. Just a real conversation. In school nutrition, social media isn’t about chasing likes, it's about something bigger. It’s about awareness, connections, and support for the work you

and your teams do every single day. Whether you love it or avoid it, social media plays a role in how your program is seen by students, parents, and the broader community. And when it’s used intentionally, it can strengthen trust, highlight impact, and amplify the story behind the meals without being overly complicated. So let’s talk realities. What actually matters, what doesn’t, and why social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or time- consuming to be effective. So grab your favorite beverage,

pull up a chair, and join me at the coffee table because it’s time for the tea. Social Media as Awareness, Not Noise How often do you catch yourself scrolling on your phone? If I’m being honest, I scroll endlessly more than I’d like to admit and chances are your team, students, parents, and administrators do too. That alone tells us something important: social media matters in school nutrition.

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