School is almost back in session. This year, nearly every student in Connecticut will have access to free breakfast to start the day.
$12 million from the state budget will go toward funding the program. There are 500,000 K-12 students in Connecticut.
“A healthy breakfast provides kids with the opportunity to start the day ready to learn and thrive, and too many of our young people do not have access to this basic life necessity,” Governor Ned Lamont (D) said when his administration proposed adding the program to the state budget in February. “Breakfast plays a crucial role in kids’ ability to focus and excel in the classroom.”
The program will be available at schools that are enrolled in the federal School Breakfast Program.
Low income kids who already qualify for reduced lunch can now also get their second meal of the day for free. An additional $500,000 will go toward funding that.
Earlier this summer, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, if re-elected, she is hoping to expand the free lunch program during the 2027 legislative session.
“I, and the governor and many people in the legislature, will be back fighting for universal lunch as well,” Bysiewicz said.
Nearly one in five children in Connecticut are food insecure.
