When families know where and how to access free summer meals for kids, it means fewer children go hungry during the summer months.
Summer meal sponsors have a great opportunity and a responsibility to ensure families know where and when meals are available. With thoughtful outreach and creative marketing, sponsors can increase participation, build community trust, and inform families of your summer meal program. Communication is key, and outreach doesn’t have to be boring. Explore creative outreach tips below.
Use Every Communication Tool in the Toolbox
It takes more than one method to reach every family. Use a mix of:
- Social media
- Text and robocalls
- Flyers, posters, and yard signs
- Newspaper and radio PSAs
- Yard signs
There’s no need to start from scratch. Our 2025 Summer Meals Outreach Toolkit has everything you need, from press release templates to customizable social graphics, in English and Spanish.
Make QR Codes Your Best Friend
Technology can make life easier, especially when plans change. QR codes are a low-effort, high-impact tool—families who scan a code on a flyer, sign, or social media post are instantly linked to the most up-to-date information. Whether it’s a change in site location or updated meal times, QR codes ensure that families always stay in the loop.
Lean on Community Meetings
You know your program, but others in your area might not. Consider hosting or joining community meetings to connect with local leaders, houses of worship, libraries, and civic organizations. These meetings are a perfect way to explain how your summer meal program works, explore potential partnerships, and learn about upcoming community events that could support your outreach. You may also serve meal samples to give attendees a literal taste of the good work you’re doing.
Create Theme Weeks That Kids Love
Build each week around a theme—like superheroes or beach day—and invite kids to participate in the fun! These themes turn routine meal distribution into something children look forward to. You can offer small giveaways like T-shirts, cooler bags, stickers, or coloring pages. By making the summer meal experience fun and engaging for youth, families are more likely to return regularly and share their excitement with others.
Make It a Celebration by Hosting a Summer Kick-Off
Kick-off events are more than just a marketing strategy—they’re a great way to build lasting community relationships. It’s a fun, effective way to create excitement and awareness all at once.
The goal is simple: meet families where they are. Repetition and visibility matter.
For a detailed overview of these best practices and tips, watch our webinar, Fueling Participation: Boost Engagement In Your Non-Congregate Summer Meals Program Through Marketing and Promotion, to learn targeted techniques from experienced sponsors across the country.
Marketing is one of the most effective tools for increasing participation in summer meals. Even if there isn’t anything new or different to share, regularly promoting your program can remind families that summer meals are something they can rely on. With creative, consistent outreach, we can make sure every child has access to the nutritious meals they need all summer long.
