Reminder: Free Meals Remain Available For School-Age Children Over The Summer

by Staff Report

HARTFORD, CT — School may be out for the summer, but nutritious meals remain available at no cost to all children in the state, Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker reminded state families Monday.

Any child age 18 and younger may receive meals at participating locations. No application, proof of income, or identification are required.

To locate participating meal sites, use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Site Finder at www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder or call 2-1-1. Because locations and operating hours may change throughout the summer, families are encouraged to confirm location and meal service times before visiting.

“Access to nutritious meals is essential to supporting children’s health, well-being, and success,” Lamont said. “We encourage families to take advantage of this important resource available in communities across Connecticut throughout the summer.”

Russell-Tucker said nutrition supports healthy development and ensures children are ready to learn when they return to school.

“We are grateful to the schools and community partners across Connecticut who make this program possible for thousands of children each summer,” she said.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program extends the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during the summer months. Summer meal locations are operated by schools, municipalities, camps, colleges, and nonprofit organizations and are located in a variety of different places, like parks, schools, pools, libraries and more.