Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz are reminding families and students about Connecticut's new statewide K-12 school breakfast program, which began at the start of the current school year and provides breakfast at no cost to all public school students before the start of every school day.
The program stems from an initiative Governor Lamont proposed and the Connecticut General Assembly approved earlier this year, providing $12 million in state funding to school districts for the meals. It comes in addition to the historic $193 million in supplemental state education grants for towns and cities included in the adopted fiscal year 2027 state budget.
"Connecticut is making historic investments in education and increasing state aid for our K-12 schools and municipalities, and this initiative is another way the state can partner with our towns and cities to provide relief," Governor Lamont said. "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. Every child, regardless of their family's income, should be able to start the day with a nutritious meal."
"When students arrive at school hungry, their ability to concentrate and fully engage in learning is affected before the first bell even rings," Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. "Universal access to breakfast at the start of the school day is not simply a matter of addressing hunger, it is a foundation for learning and long-term health and academic success. Through these historic investments we are leveling the playing field for all students and are showing our commitment to strong, inclusive learning environments."
Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said, "A nutritious breakfast helps students begin the school day ready to learn, engage, and make the most of every opportunity. We are grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to supporting every student's nutritional well-being."
All K-12 public school students are eligible to receive breakfast at no cost, and there is no need to apply. Families and students are encouraged to check with the individual schools in which they are enrolled to learn the specific details about the times and locations where the breakfasts in their schools are being distributed.