Time For Tea with Rachel: Why Social Media Matters More Than You Think in School Nutrition
goes into providing nutritious meals for students every day. It gives teams a space to show the heart behind the program, not just the menu. Social media also helps grow support within your community by bridging the gap
Let’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
between what parents think school meals are and what students actually experience. It creates familiarity and excitement. Students get the chance to try new foods and expand their palates, while parents can follow along and better understand the choices being made. At its best, social media creates transparency. And transparency builds trust, the kind of trust every school nutrition program wants with its community. The Realities: Why Social Feels Hard You might be thinking, “Social media takes too much time away from preparing meals,” or “I don’t even know what to post. It’s just too complicated.”
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. So
many school nutrition teams have felt unseen or undervalued at some point. Maybe you’ve heard lingering misconceptions about the quality or care behind the meals being served. Social media offers a way to change that narrative. When used intentionally, social media becomes a tool to grow awareness of the work happening behind the scenes. It can show the planning, the passion, and the commitment that
Those feelings are completely valid. The reality is that social media can feel overwhelming, especially without guidance. Not because teams aren’t capable, but because there’s no clear roadmap. When expectations feel unclear, it’s easy to stall or avoid it altogether. There is some upfront
Rachel Bartlett | Social Media Manager Rachel is a social media manager for NxtGen Network, dedicated to helping brands scale their online presence and convert followers into loyal customers. Focused on high-performing content and strategic distribution, Rachel works to simplify the social landscape for clients while driving measurable community growth and sales.
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