![\"\"](\"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/kentucky\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/05\/FEATURED-PHOTO-_-Summer-Meals-Alabama-Youth-Ambassadors-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/b>The USDA Summer Meals Study<\/span><\/a> found that lack of awareness of summer meal programs is the most frequent reason for nonparticipation in summer meal programs. When families and kids know where and how to access free summer meals, everyone wins. That connection depends on outreach that is clear, consistent, and easy to find.\u00a0 For summer meal sponsors, effective communication can make a major difference in the reach of your program. <\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore strategies to make your outreach smarter, more accessible, and more effective at reaching more families this summer.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n Reaching families effectively requires more than a single method. Sharing information across social media, text alerts, automated calls, printed materials, local media outlets or even billboards helps ensure your message is seen by families. People absorb information differently, so a layered approach increases the chances that your outreach will resonate and be remembered. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”13270″ image_size=”medium” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n When you\u2019re considering your outreach plans for this summer, it\u2019s important to think about where the main caregivers receive their information. \u00a0 Feeding Kentucky found social media was the preferred source of information about rural, non-congregate summer meals through a recent survey of over 100 Kentucky families from 17 counties across the state. Also, consider who will be picking up meals for kids. Are there many grandparents raising grandkids in your community? Their preferred methods of communication may look different than the ways you\u2019re trying to reach high school students.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n QR codes provide a quick and efficient way to connect families with real-time updates, such as changes in meal locations or service times. When placed on flyers, signage, or digital posts, they can instantly direct users to the latest information.<\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, it\u2019s important to keep outreach inclusive. Not every family has access to a smartphone or reliable internet. Including a phone number and a clear description or photo of the meal site alongside QR codes ensures that everyone can access the information they need. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”13271″ image_size=”medium” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n You may know your program inside and out, but many others in your community may not. Building relationships with other trusted groups can significantly expand your outreach. Community partners may include schools, libraries, parks and recreation departments, faith-based organizations, afterschool programs, healthcare providers, food banks, local businesses, housing authorities, extension offices, youth organizations, and nonprofit agencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Every county in Kentucky has a<\/span> local health department <\/span><\/a>where children enroll in WIC, making these agencies\u00a0 an ideal outreach partner for summer meals. Many of Kentucky\u2019s 120 <\/span>local public libraries<\/span><\/a> offer summer enrichment programs for kids which provide another opportunity to reach families. <\/span>\u00a0Family resource and youth services centers <\/span><\/a>(FRYSCS) located in schools across the Commonwealth are experienced in working with high-need families and often know how to best reach their families to receive these critical meals during the summer. The Kentucky Kids Eat Program of Feeding Kentucky also offers families the ability to <\/span>find summer meal program flyers<\/span><\/a> from their home and surrounding counties in one convenient location online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Food policy councils are another strong partner. These groups connect stakeholders across sectors such as education, agriculture, public health, and nonprofit work, all with a shared goal of improving food access. By participating in these coalitions, you can align your outreach with broader community efforts. <\/span>Learn more about how sponsors can work with local food policy councils<\/a> to strengthen and expand their own summer meal programs.<\/span><\/p>\n Working with these partners allows for coordinated communication across multiple networks within the community. Flyers, posters, and sign-up information can be shared more widely and consistently, helping ensure families hear about meal opportunities from trusted sources. This kind of collaboration strengthens messaging and makes it easier for families to understand how and where to access meals.<\/span><\/p>\n Local media outlets can help amplify your message far beyond your immediate network. Sharing press releases, inviting reporters to kickoff events or site visits, and providing meal schedules, photos, or video footage to local news stations can increase visibility and community awareness. When your program is featured in newspapers, on the radio, or in local publications, it reinforces the message and reaches families who may not be connected through other channels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Kentucky Farm to Summer Meals Campaign, hosted by the KY Farm to School Network, provides a press release template for sponsors planning to participate in KY Farm to Summer Meals Celebration Week from June 21st through June 27th. The press release and other promotional items are available under the Promotions tab of the <\/span>sponsor\/site toolkit<\/span><\/a>\u00a0created for the week-long celebration of local foods in summer meals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nUse a Mix of Communication Channels<\/b><\/h3>\n
Meet Families Where They Are<\/b><\/h3>\n
Use QR Codes (But Keep It Inclusive)<\/b><\/h3>\n
Lean on Community Partners<\/b><\/h3>\n
Connect with Local Media<\/b><\/h3>\n