> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/pse-site-activities/reach.md).

# Document Reach

Understand how to document reach for a PSE Site Activity in PEARS.

Reach is the unduplicated number of people who come in direct contact with one or more PSE changes at a site during the reporting period. Accurate reach data helps demonstrate the scope and impact of your PSE efforts.

You record reach in the **Reach** section of the [Changes Adopted](/engage/pse-site-activities/changes.md) step of a PSE Site Activity. Consider the reach of all PSE changes that were implemented, expanded, improved, or maintained during the reporting period.

![Screenshot: The Reach section of the Changes Adopted step of a PSE Site Activity, showing the Method used to determine total reach, Source of Data, Reach data source other, and Total number of people reached by PSE work at this site or organization fields](https://2560412328-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ff0820LrBGQ9ZA8SC4BR1%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b1b9734ec8d81e9bb5cb163c49c4150ecc4f8c5d%2Fpse-reach-fields.png?alt=media)

## Key Principles

* **Site-level reporting** — Reach should be reported at the site level only. Reach figures should not exceed the total priority population at the location.
* **Direct contact** — Count individuals directly touched by an intervention. For example, count those who actually participate in a school garden, not the entire student body.
* **Unduplicated counts** — If someone encounters multiple PSE strategies or contacts the same strategy multiple times, they count as one person only.

## Measurement Methods

In **Method used to determine total reach** **\***, select the option that best describes how the reach figure was determined:

* **Measured** — Data from reliable sources such as attendance records, surveys, or observations.
* **Estimated** — Reasoned projections based on available data.
* **Unknown** — Appropriate when no data or basis exists for estimation.

Selecting **Measured** or **Estimated** reveals two more required fields: **Source of Data** **\*** and **Total number of people reached by PSE work at this site or organization** **\***. Choosing **Other** as the source of data adds a **Reach data source other** **\*** field for a brief description.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**NOTE:** Selecting **Unknown** hides the source of data and total reach fields and clears any values already entered in them. A PSE Site Activity without a total reach is left out of the PSE Changes worksheet of the [N-PEARS export](/analyze/n-pears-export/pse-site-activities.md).
{% endhint %}

## Reach by PSE Strategy

PEARS includes guidance for documenting reach across PSE strategy categories. The reach definition varies by strategy type — for example:

* **Early childhood care and education** — Count children directly affected by the PSE change.
* **Community or school gardens** — Count individuals who participate in the garden program.
* **School meals** — Count students who receive meals affected by the change.
* **Vending machines** — Count individuals with access to the modified vending options.
* **Written policies** — Count individuals covered by the policy.

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** Refer to your organization's SNAP-Ed guidance for detailed reach definitions by strategy type.
{% endhint %}