Norwalk Public Schools Launch 2025 Summer Meal Program As Food Insecurity Rises

NORWALK, Conn. — With food insecurity on the rise across Connecticut, Norwalk Public Schools has officially started its 17th annual Summer Meals Program for children 18 and under.

The program, which began on June 23, is a partnership between Norwalk Public Schools, the Norwalk Department of Health, and the Norwalk Food Alliance and will run through mid-August. Norwalk will have 10 open meal sites, including churches, elementary, middle, and high schools, where any child can get one free breakfast and lunch daily. While no registration is required to receive the meals, the children must eat them at the location where they are served, as required by the state. 

This program is a lifeline for many families struggling with the growing food insecurity and food access challenges, the release stated. It went on to say that families are encouraged to take advantage of the program.

Food insecurity rose by 10% in Connecticut between 2022 and 2023, according to data from Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, pantries, and local meal programs. In Connecticut, one in seven residents and one in six children are listed as food insecure, according to the press release. 

In Norwalk, the food insecurity rate is 14.7%, up from 13.4% the year before. This translates to 13,460 food-insecure residents in Norwalk out of a population of 91,375, according to data from Connecticut Foodshare.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and run locally by the Norwalk Public Schools’ Food Service Division, the menu for the Summer Meals Program is intended to be “nutritious” and include milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat or another protein. In July, kids can enjoy meals such as turkey and cheese sandwiches, vegan Mediterranean salads, nachos, and pizza for lunch.

For more information, including the menu in English and Spanish as well as a list of sites, visit www.norwalkps.org/departments/food-services/free-summer-meals-program