Use the sample email or telephone script below as a starting point to book your meetings. Make it sound like you and add local details where you can.

Template Email

Subject: Meeting request during the district work period

Hello [Name],
I’m a constituent in [city/town/district], and I would appreciate the chance to meet with [Representative/Senator Name] or a member of the staff during the district work period. I’d like to talk about why fully funding and modernizing WIC and strengthening SNAP matter for infants, toddlers, and families in our community.
I’m happy to meet at the district office, virtually, or at another time and location that works well for the office.
Below are times that work for me to connect, but I am happy to adjust to the [Congressman/Congresswoman/Senator’s] schedule:
• Date & time 1
• Date & time 2
• Date & time 3
Please let me know if any of these options work. I can also share more availability if that would be helpful.
I’m also happy to bring a small group of local partners if helpful.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

Phone Script Template

“Hi, I’m calling to request a meeting with [Member of Congress] or a member of the staff while they are home during the district work period. I’m a constituent, and I’d like to talk about strengthening WIC and SNAP for infants, toddlers, and families. What is the best way to submit a meeting request?”

You have two good options. Both work.

Go Solo
• Easier to schedule.
• Simple and effective
• You can keep the conversation focused.

Bring a Small Team (2–4 people)
• Shows broader community support.
• Brings different perspectives.

If you bring a group, keep it simple:
• One person opens.
• Everyone briefly introduces themselves.
• One person makes the ask.
• 1–2 people share examples, resources, or data.

Before your meeting, make sure:
• I know my 1–2 key messages
• I have one clear ask
• I can share a local example
• I know who is coming (if a group)

Key Messages

• All babies and toddlers should have the chance to grow up healthy and strong.
• From birth to age 3, children’s brains and bodies are developing faster than at any other time. What they eat during this window matters for their health, learning, and future.
• No matter where they live, parents want to give their children a strong start, but rising costs can make basic needs hard to afford.
• WIC and SNAP are proven supports that help families put nutritious food on the table and keep babies and toddlers on a healthy path.
• Strong families build strong communities. When young children are nourished from the start, everyone benefits.
• If you only say one thing: Families with young children need policymakers like you to prioritize them, especially in those early, critical years.

The Policy Ask

You do not need to be a policy expert. Keep the conversation focused on what families need and what Congress can do. If you get a detailed question you cannot answer on the spot, it is fine to say you will follow up.

Before the end of the 119th Congress, advocates are asking lawmakers to:
• Fully fund and modernize WIC.
• Give every state two years to reduce SNAP error rates before penalties take effect, without future cuts to SNAP.
• Oppose any farm bill that does not address the unfolding SNAP crisis.

Sample ask: We’re asking you to fully fund WIC so all eligible participants can be served and receive full benefits, make telephone and video certification appointments permanent, and give every state two years to reduce SNAP error rates before penalties take effect, without future cuts to SNAP.

Most meetings follow a simple flow:

• Introductions: Briefly introduce yourself and have anyone that came with you introduce themselves.
• If you are meeting with a staffer, have them introduce themselves as well and ask them what issues they cover and how long they have worked for the Member! Tip: A good meeting with staff can be just as valuable as meeting directly with the Member. Staff often understand the details, advise the Member, and help shape what happens next.
• Why you’re there
• Your key message(s)
• Restate your asks
• Conversation. Provide an opportunity for the Member or their staff to ask questions.

Tip: Keep it conversational. You do not need to be perfect. If you do not know the answer to a question, say you will check and follow up.

Virtual Meeting Tips

Some offices may offer a virtual meeting instead of an in-person visit. That is still a strong opportunity. The same principles apply: be prepared, keep your message simple, make a clear ask, and follow up afterward.

Before the meeting:
• Confirm the meeting link, time zone, and who will join.
• Test your camera, sound, and internet connection.
• Join a few minutes early.
• Have your key messages, ask, and local examples in front of you.
• If you are meeting as a group, decide ahead of time who will open, who will share examples, and who will make the ask.

During the meeting:
• Keep introductions brief.
• Look at the camera when speaking.
• Stay focused on one or two key points.
• Pause and invite questions.
• Do not worry if the conversation feels less formal than an in-person meeting. That can be a good thing.

Take a Photo
If appropriate, take a photo during or after your meeting (with permission).
• Group photo outside the office works great.
• Keep it simple and professional.
• If the meeting is virtual, be sure to get permission to take a screenshot.

Bring a simple one-pager to leave with staff.

Nourish from the Start has provided a general version for your use or customization through Canva.
One-Pager Canva Link to Template for Customization: https://canva.link/2jocywlwb5qb0ky

Use Local Data and Stories
A strong meeting does not need a long list of facts. Pick one or two numbers that show the need in your state or district, then pair them with a short local story or example. That combination helps lawmakers understand both the size of the issue and what it means for real families.

Follow up within 1–2 days.

Tip: Do not mail materials to congressional offices. Mail can be delayed by security screening. Email links instead.

Thank You Email Template

Subject: Thank you
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet to discuss WIC and SNAP. I appreciated the chance to share what families with young children are experiencing in our community and why these programs matter for healthy starts.
I appreciated the chance to share what families with young children are experiencing in our community.
I’m happy to be a resource and share any additional information that would be helpful as Congress considers next steps.
Best,
[Your Name]

Tip: Emails with too many attachments may bounce for .gov servers. Use links to share information where possible

Ideas to Share Your Meeting Locally

Your meeting doesn’t have to end when you walk out the door. Sharing what you did helps build momentum and raises awareness in your community.

Take a Photo
If appropriate, take a photo during or after your meeting (with permission).
• Group photo outside the office works great.
• Keep it simple and professional.
• If the meeting is virtual, be sure to get permission to take a screenshot.

Submit a Photo of the Visit to Your Local Paper
Many local papers will publish short community updates or photos.
You can submit:
• A short recap of your meeting
• Why it matters families in your community.
• A photo (if available)

Simple example:
Local advocates met with [Member of Congress] to talk about nutrition programs that help infants, toddlers, and families in our community stay healthy and thrive. They encouraged Congress to fully fund and modernize WIC and address the SNAP crisis so families with young children do not lose access to food assistance.
Write a Letter to the Editor

An LTE is a terrific way to connect your meeting to a broader audience.

Focus on:
• Why you met with your Member of Congress
• What families with babies and toddlers are facing
• Why WIC and SNAP matter for healthy development
• The two asks: fully fund and modernize WIC and delay implementation of SNAP cost shifts to states

Keep it short and clear:
• Keep it short and clear.
• Focus on babies, toddlers, and families.
• Name the two asks directly.
• Tie it back to your community.

Sample Letter to the Editor Template

Title: Helping Young Children and Families Thrive in Our Community

Dear Editor,
I recently met with [Representative/Senator Name] to talk about why Congress should fully fund and modernize WIC and address the SNAP crisis. Infants, toddlers, and families in our community count on these programs to help them stay healthy and thrive.
These early years matter. They shape a child’s health, development, and future. And they shape the strength of our communities. When families have what they need during pregnancy and the first years of a child’s life, it sets everyone up for better outcomes.
But many families in [community/state] are struggling to meet basic needs like stable housing, access to health care, and putting food on the table. These challenges make it harder for young children to get the strong start they deserve.
That is why I encouraged [Representative/Senator Name] to support WIC and SNAP. These programs help families meet basic needs and give young children a stronger start.
This is something that matters to all of us. Strong families build strong communities. I’m hopeful we will continue to see leadership on policies that support our youngest children and the families raising them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [City/Town]

Why This Matters
• Reinforces your message publicly.
• Shows community engagement.
• Helps keep the issue visible beyond the meeting.