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<\/b>When families know where and how to access free summer meals, everyone wins. That connection depends on outreach that is clear, consistent, and easy to find. For summer meal sponsors, effective communication can make a major difference in participation. Let\u2019s explore strategies to make your outreach smarter, more accessible, and more effective at reaching more families this summer.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you\u2019re considering your outreach plans for this summer, it\u2019s important to think about where the main caregivers receive their information. Consider who will be picking up meals for kids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Are there many grandparents raising or watching grandkids during the summer months in your community? Their preferred methods of communication may look different than the ways you\u2019re trying to reach high school students.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\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 For example, in many states, local health councils exist in every county and are often led by health educators who convene regular meetings focused on community well-being. These meetings bring together organizations already engaged in outreach, making them a natural setting to share information about your summer meals program.<\/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<\/b><\/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 <\/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 For a deeper dive into marketing strategies, explore the webinar <\/span>Beyond the Flyer: Next-Level Promotion for Summer Meals Success<\/b><\/a>. This session highlights targeted techniques from experienced sponsors across the country and focuses on high-impact promotion strategies that help ensure every child knows where to find meals during the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\nUse a Mix of Communication Channels<\/b><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nMeet Families Where They Are<\/b><\/h4>\n
Use QR Codes (But Keep It Inclusive)<\/b><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nLean on Community Partners<\/b><\/h4>\n
Connect with Local Media<\/b><\/h4>\n
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