Outreach
A robust outreach plan is an important element
of a successful summer meal program. As surprisingly as it
may sound, families are simultaneously bombarded with information
yet often do not receive some of information we’d like them to
have. Your outreach plan should incorporate a variety of methods
to ensure that information about your summer meal program reaches
its intended audience. For summer meal providers with multiple
sites, tailoring your outreach may require a little more work up
front, but is more likely to bring positive results.
The Audience
It all begins with knowing your audience. Who are they? What places do they frequent in the community? Is English the first language? Starting with an adequate understanding of your audience and where they are likely to see your message can help you effectively communicate about your summer meal program.
The Message
The word “free” is often not enough to sell the program so be sure to also promote the activities at or near your summer meal site. Flyers from San Diego USD and the City of Inglewood offer just a few examples. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign conducted focus groups of low-income parents in Denver and Baltimore that yielded results that can help inform your messaging strategy. No Kid Hungry’s Center for Best Practices offers additional resources that can support your outreach efforts.
The Messenger
In addition to a message that is clear (and jargon-free), the messenger also matters. Faith-based leaders, teachers, principals, community health workers/promotoras, and pediatricians have established relationships with families and welcome opportunities to support their constituents.
Sample Welcome letters: