• Find out how school food works. Learn about the requirements for schools to get reimbursed by the government. Find out the limitations of your school’s kitchen. Are they able to cook? Is it strictly heat-and-serve?
• Read up on tips for developing your campaign.
• Find someone to partner with. Do you have peers at school who would campaign with you for plant- based options? Is there a teacher or nurse who would back you up?
• Get the student body on board. Consider conducting a survey to find out how many students at your school might be interested in more plant-based options. Start a petition to gain support from students, teachers, and parents for the campaign.

• Develop your ask. Consider what your cafeteria currently serves, budget limitations, and required food groups to determine what you ask for.
  • One plant-based entree option every day.
  • Plant-based milk options.
  • Meatless Mondays.
• Do research. How many students might benefit from having more plant-based options?
  • How many vegans and vegetarians live in your area?
  • What percentage of students might be lactose intolerant?
  • Should you include favorable results from a survey you conducted?
• Write your letter. Articulate your ask and include relevant research.

Determine who has the ability to implement the changes you’re asking for (maybe your district’s food service director or your school board) and send them your letter. Request a meeting or phone call with them, if possible.

• Anticipate questions they might ask.
  • What is the cost of plant-based entrees/drinks?
  • Will students choose these options?
  • Will these foods meet USDA regulations?
  • Will these foods be eligible for reimbursements from federal or state governments?
• Share recipe ideas and resources with the decision makers.
  • Recipes from Coalition For Healthy School Food
  • Recipes from One Meal A Day
  • One Meal A Day resources for food service directors

• Check in periodically with the decision makers to see what progress is being made.
• Promote new plant-based options to spread awareness and encourage your peers to choose these new options.
• Celebrate! Whether or not you were able to secure new plant-based options in your lunch room, you made an impact by advocating for farm animals and a more just food system and starting a dialogue with decision makers. Thank you for being courageous and bold!