Nearly all students can get free lunch, breakfast
Federal program expanded under coronavirus
NEW MILFORD — Angela Chastain has seen firsthand how the coronavirus has made communities even more insecure when it comes to food.
Chastain, who is also New Milford’s school board chairwoman, created Camella’s Cupboard two years ago to help students get meals when school isn’t in session and has offered hundreds of meals this summer alone. She said she’s thrilled the federal government expanded its programs so students can get free meals and serve even more families as the need only grows.
“I believe there are many families we aren't reaching that free meals in the schools will provide for,” Chastain said.
Camella's Cupboard was serving about 125 children before schools closed in March. It peaked just over 400 this summer and has plateaued around 360 for the past few weeks with
new families signing up each week.
“Hunger is so easily hidden and so many families are experiencing continued layoffs and job loss due to COVID,” Chastain said. “Many families, especially those that are experiencing financial hardship for the first time, may be hesitant to reach out to social service agencies to seek assistance. These free meals for everyone allow families that may have never experienced hunger before to get the assistance they need.”
The free breakfasts and lunches are offered through the Seamless Summer Option and Summer Food Service Program, which were recently expanded and extended by the federal government through the end of the calendar year. Many schools were using these programs this spring to ensure their students were able to access food when districts switched to distance learning.
Connecticut has 113 districts participating in the Seamless Summer Option, including Bethel, New Milford, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Easton, Redding and Region 9. Thirtytwo districts are offering the Summer Food Service Program, according to the state Department of Education.
Under the programs, all students from pre-K through 12th grade are able to get free lunch and breakfast, regardless of income or if they already qualify for free or reduced lunch. Students order meals and the district is then reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the state. Families are able to pick up meals if they are virtually learning.
All free meals must meet nutritional criteria outlined by the federal government. Lunches must have at least three of the five components, including a serving of fruits or vegetables. The other components include certain milks, whole grains and protein.
“Because of this program, our students, whether learning at school or learning at home, will have access to healthy and nutritious meals at no cost,” said Rydell Harrison, superintendent for Easton, Redding and Region 9. “In these times of uncertainty, I am grateful that we are able to go beyond the academic and social/emotional needs of our students.”
This uncertainty was the main reason for the USDA expanding its program.
“This extension of summer program authority will employ summer program sponsors to ensure meals are reaching all children – whether they are learning in the classroom or virtually – so they are fed and ready to learn, even in new and ever-changing learning environments,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said.
It is available until Dec. 31 or until funding runs out.
Chastain said she hopes the extension is continued for the whole school year because she expects the need to rise as the moratoriums on rent, foreclosures and utilities end but layoffs continue due to the coronavirus.
“The free school meals will be a vital part of keeping children in the New Milford community fed,” she said.
Studies show schools have lower absentee rates, fewer student discipline issues and better overall student health when children receive proper nutrition, Chastain said.
“I have long been a believer that the benefits of providing universal free school meals all the time far outweigh the cost of doing so,” she said. “I believe many of the issues schools struggle with would be resolved if stu
dents begin the day with full bellies.”
Peter Yazbak, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, said the USDA sends money to the state monthly to then reimburse the districts. He said there hasn’t been an indication there would be a maximum number of meals or cost under this program expansion.
“The reimbursement rates do not typically cover the full costs of program administration,” he said. “The higher participation, the more reimbursement the district receives. The district operates these programs using the nonprofit food service account, which must be made whole on an annual basis. Districts often use general funds to cover any deficits in the account.”
Districts had to apply for the program through the state. There are also slight differences in how each offers the program, with some also providing meals for students’ siblings who are 18 and younger and other towns extending it to all residents 18 and younger
Meals are generally not offered on days school isn’t in session, including holidays or weather-related closures.
Brookfield Superintendent John Barile said the district wanted to participate in the program because it might mean more students will be able to get meals.
While the program is available to everyone regardless of income, Bethel Superintendent Christine Carver is encouraging families who qualify for the traditional free and reduced meal program to still apply for them.
This is because students will once again be charged for meals once the program lapses.
“In the meantime, we are happy to provide good, nutritious meals to all at no charge,” she said in a note to parents.