Connecticut

Efforts by FoodCorps and our coalition partners during the 2024 legislative session resulted in the state covering the reduced price co-pay category for breakfast and lunch. This means students whose families earn $55,500 or less each year will be eligible for free school meals, including breakfast. While this change will result in some students no longer having access to free breakfast at school, we’re grateful for the elimination of the reduced-price category, and we will continue advocating for all students to have access to free meals in Connecticut.

The CT Local Food for Schools Incentive Program that FoodCorps championed last year rolled out just in time to take advantage of the growing season and summer meal programs. This program provides every public school district in Connecticut with greater purchasing power for state-produced food ($1 for every $2 spent) and regional local food ($1 for every $3 spent). Participating public school districts are supported in prioritizing their purchases from small farm businesses and socially disadvantaged farmers.

In October, FoodCorps celebrated a special kick off to “CT Grown for CT Kids Week” hosted by our partners at Middletown Public Schools. Joined by over a thousand students, local and state leaders, farmers, and FoodCorps alumni, the event featured a student-staffed tasting market and a lunch comprising all locally sourced ingredients.

Notably, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and state agency partners at the CT Department of Agriculture and CT Department of Education expressed their appreciation while attending the event. Dawn Crayco, Northeast Policy Director of FoodCorps and Co-Chair of the CT Farm to School Collaborative, shared: “When schools and farms partner, the impact is palpable. Students have opportunities to learn where their food comes from, enjoy local food in their cafeteria, and meet the people who grew it.”