Template Talking Points

TEMPLATE TALKING POINTS

Following are suggested talking points for talking to the media, stakeholders and parents about the importance of summer meals programs and what you are doing to connect kids to those programs. For state-specific statistics and data on summer meals, see the Food Research and Action Center’s annual summer meals report, “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” at

Topline Message

Summer can be a fun and carefree time of year for many kids and teens. But for those who count on subsidized school meals, it can be a stressful, and even dreaded, time because they don’t have access to regular nutritious meals. While [# OF KIDS ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST] children rely on a free or reduced-price school lunch during the school year, less than [# OF KIDS GETTING SUMMER MEALS] children get them when schools are closed. Summer meals programs across the country funded by the USDA provide an important source of nutritious food for kids and teens to keep them healthy and active during the summer. Go to [WEBSITE ADDRESS] or call [HOTLINE NUMBER] to learn more.

Other Talking Points

• IMPORTANCE OF SUMMER MEALS: Summer meals programs are more important than ever before as families are still struggling to recover from the recession and high unemployment. Low-income families also face the stress of providing safe, supervised and affordable places for kids and teens to socialize, play and continue to learn during the summer.

• CONSEQUENCES: Summer is an important time for kids’ and teens’ academic and physical well-being. But without access to regular nutritious meals, they can suffer long-term consequences, both academically and in overall growth and development.
• Studies show that kids are at a higher risk for both hunger and obesity during the summer months.[i]
• During the summer, many students typically lose several months of learning in mathematics and low-income students tend to fall behind in reading.[ii]

• ABOUT SUMMER MEALS SITES: Many summer meals sites also provide kids and teens with summer enrichment programs, which means that children are not only well-fed, but in a safe, supervised environment engaged in educational and recreational activities that can help them remain physically active and start school ready to learn.

• MESSAGE FOR PARENTS: Now that summer is here, kids can’t count on school meals that keep them healthy and strong. The [SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM NAME] gives kids and teens free, nutritious meals when school’s out. Many summer meals sites also offer educational and recreational activities that keep kids learning, growing and staying active during the summer. Call toll free [PHONE] or visit [WEBSITE] to find a summer meals site near you.

[i] Tackling Summer Hunger: Ensuring No Kid Goes Hungry When School Is Out.

[ii] Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). The effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores: A narrative and meta-analytic review. Review of Educational Research, 66, 227-268.