Free Systemwide Meals Returning To Vernon Schools

VERNON, CT — Beginning March 1, free school meals will be back systemwide in Vernon.

That was the word Thursday from Food and Nutritions Services Director Elizabeth Fisher.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Feb. 14 announced that an additional $60 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money has been allocated to the Connecticut Department of Education for the Free School Meals for Children Grant. Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said the initial intent was to make the program effective at signing, but that has since been revised to March 1.

Vernon will now be reimbursed by the state for each meal through the remainder of the 2022-23 academic year.

The simple answer is all Vernon public school students will receive one breakfast and one lunch each day at no cost through June 30. Maple Street, Northeast and Skinner Road schools already have 100 percent free meal programs so the state grant extends it to Rockville High School, Vernon Center Middle School and Center Road School, Macary said. Vernon had been operating on a different funding source for the early part of the school year, but the rising cost of food ate up that grant, Macary said.

"The latest grant is the same system as the Covid grant," Macary said. "We were trying to keep the initial grant going until Feb. 1, but the costs were just too much. I'm very happy about this latest news because we can help keep kids fed and ready to learn while also helping the families. It's a win-win."

Second meals or snacks can be purchased at the register with cash or with any remaining money on a student's account, Fisher said. Any money in a student's lunch account will remain there until used or refunded and balances can be transferred from year-to-year, she said. Thee is also a refund option, she added.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2nd District), a Vernon resident, said the funding serves a vital purpose.

"Federal American Rescue Plan funding was there for students and schools at the height of COVID, and it's still helping kids today," said Rep. Courtney. "I was glad to see that the Connecticut Legislature voted to provide free meals to students through the academic year, and that they're able to use funding through the Rescue Plan to make it happen."

Here is Lamont's take on the free meals: