Overview

Each summer, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) provide meals for thousands of low-income children in Connecticut when school is out and children no longer have access to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). However, these programs do not reach all low-income children who face food insecurity during the summer months.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) began the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Demonstration Project (Summer Meals on the Move) to address the problem of food insecurity during the summer months. Connecticut was one of the states selected by the USDA to operate Summer Meals on the Move, and participated through summer 2018. 

 

Discontinuation of the Summer Meals on the Move Program 

Connecticut did not receive federal funding to administer the Summer Meals on the Move demonstration program for summer 2019.  Households that received $30 during summer 2018 will not receive the Summer Meals on the Move benefits this summer.

Where can I receive information about summer feeding sites in my community?

The SFSP is a federally-funded, state-administered program.  Children 18 years and younger may receive free meals and snacks through the SFSP.  At most sites, children receive either one or two reimbursable meals each day.  There may be summer meal sites in your area that are available to your children.  To find a site use the Summer Meals Location Finder or call 1-866-974-SNAP or 1-866-974-7627.

How can I know if I am eligible for traditional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits?

SNAP eligibility is based on household income. In Connecticut, a household may be eligible if their income is less than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, the same income threshold that is used to qualify for the Summer Meals on the Move program. The added benefit to a household receiving SNAP benefits is that the children are “directly certified,” or automatically eligible, for free school meals without having to fill out the Free/Reduced-price School Meal Application. To see if your household qualifies for SNAP benefits year-round, call 1-866-974-7627 or visit the SNAP prescreen websites at ConneCT or CTSnap.

Nondiscrimination Statements (USDA and CSDE)