How Parent Councils Can Boost Participation in Hot Lunch Programs

Hot lunch programs are one of the most reliable, family-friendly ways for schools to raise funds and support student wellbeing. For many schools across Canada, parent councils are the driving force behind planning, promoting, and managing these valuable initiatives.

Whether your school is launching a new program or hoping to grow participation, parent councils can play a powerful role in encouraging families to get involved. Here are proven strategies to help boost engagement - and make your hot lunch program a success all year long.

1. Communicate Early and Often

Parents are far more likely to participate when they clearly understand:

• How the program works

• What meals are available

• How often orders happen

• Where the funds go

Use multiple channels to reach families: school newsletters, morning announcements, social media, and classroom reminders.

For tips on keeping school meal operations smooth, see our earlier post:
How to Streamline Your School’s Hot Lunch Operations

2. Highlight the Impact on Students and the School

Families respond strongly when they see the why behind the program. Parent councils can boost participation by explaining:

• What the funds support (technology, field trips, playground improvements)

• How hot lunches benefit students’ nutrition and routine

• How the program saves time for busy parents

Connect every order back to real, meaningful outcomes.

3. Offer Fun Lunch Themes to Increase Excitement

Themes keep programs fresh and encourage repeat participation. Parent councils can work with restaurants and vendors to create:

• Feature Meal Days (e.g., taco day, pasta day)

• Seasonal Specials (fall comfort meals, spring salads)

• Cultural celebration lunches

• Kids’ choice voting days

If your school wishes to incorporate fundraising elements into themed days, check out:
Creative Hot Lunch Fundraisers Schools Can Run Year-Round

4. Simplify Ordering With a User-Friendly Platform

The easier the process, the more likely parents participate. Many schools choose platforms like LunchUp because they offer:

• Quick online ordering

• Automated reminders

• Allergy & dietary tracking

• Admin tools that reduce volunteer workload

Linking to the platform in every communication ensures families always know where to order.

5. Engage Classroom Teachers as Partners

Teachers see families daily and can help:

• Remind students when order deadlines are approaching

• Share menus during class announcements

• Encourage participation through classroom newsletters

With teacher involvement, schools often see a notable increase in weekly or monthly order numbers.

6. Encourage Volunteers - Even for Small Tasks

Many parents assume volunteering requires large time commitments. Councils can reframe involvement by offering micro-tasks such as:

• 20-minute sorting support

• One-day event help

• Occasional delivery support

• Packing assistance for special fundraising lunches

A broader volunteer base also increases program visibility and buy-in.

7. Celebrate Participation and Show Appreciation

A little recognition goes a long way. Councils can celebrate success by:

• Sharing participation milestones

• Thanking volunteers publicly

• Highlighting local vendor partners

• Recognizing classrooms with highest participation

Positive reinforcement builds a strong school-wide culture of support.

Conclusion

Parent councils make an enormous difference in the success of hot lunch programs. By strengthening communication, creating engaging themes, and simplifying the experience for families, councils can build sustainable participation - and drive meaningful fundraising results.

Ready to make your school’s hot lunch program easier, more engaging, and more successful?

Discover how LunchUp supports parent councils and schools with simple ordering, automated reminders, and built-in fundraising tools.
Learn more about LunchUp today!