Keeping Kids Fed This Summer: A Guide to Connecticut's Summer Meal Programs

Last month we wrote about the summer hunger gap and why it matters. This month, we want to be more specific: where can Connecticut families find free summer meals for their children, and how do these programs actually work?

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded, state administered program that provides free nutritious meals to children 18 and under at approved community sites during the summer months. Participation is open to all children; no income verification is required.

HOW TO FIND A SUMMER MEAL SITE

The easiest way to find a nearby site is through the Connecticut State Department of Education's Summer Meals finder at portal.ct.gov. Families can also text "FOOD" to 304-304 to receive a list of nearby sites from USDA.

Sites are located at schools, libraries, community centers, housing developments, and parks. In East Hartford, several sites operate within easy reach of densely populated areas.

BEYOND FREE MEALS: SUPPORTING SUMMER FOOD SECURITY

Summer meal programs address lunch and sometimes breakfast, but they do not cover all nutritional needs for three months. CT Foodshare and partner pantries supplement these programs by maintaining higher distribution capacity during summer months.

BackPack programs, which send bags of shelf stable food home with children on Fridays during the school year, sometimes expand into summer bridge programs.

Your support of our virtual food drive directly helps CT Foodshare maintain and expand these summer programs.

Support our virtual food drive: https://donate.ctfoodshare.org/campaign/the-white-oak-bridge/c598051

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