Norwich schools to offer free meals for all students in 2025-26 school year
All students enrolled in the district's schools can participate in the breakfast and lunch program at no charge, according to a community announcement. This initiative is part of the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which is funded by the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
Household applications are not required for students to receive free meals. However, schools may distribute alternate income forms to collect household income data for other programs that require this information, according to the announcement.
The following schools will provide free meals:
Sacred Heart School, 15 Hunters Ave., Taftville
Huntington Elementary, 80 W. Town St., Norwich
Mahan Elementary, 94 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
Moriarty Elementary, 20 Lawler Lane, Norwich
Stanton Elementary, 386 New London Turnpike, Norwich
Uncas Elementary, 280 Elizabeth St. Ext., Norwich
Veterans Elementary, 80 Crouch Ave., Norwich
Wequonnoc Elementary, 155 Providence St., Norwich
Kelly STEAM Middle School, 25 Mahan Drive, Norwich
Global Studies (Teachers) Middle School, 15 Teachers Drive, Norwich
Wildwood Christian School, 35 Warwecus Hill Road, Norwich
More: Here's when Norwich area schools start for the 2025-26 school year
The CEP aims to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals without the need for families to complete applications. This program is designed to reduce barriers and support student well-being.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, the district is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information should contact the responsible state or local agency or the USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600.
To file a program discrimination complaint, individuals should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must include the complainant's name, address, telephone number and a description of the alleged discriminatory action.
For more information, contact Robert Sirpenski or Maria Parrillo at 526 E. Main St., Norwich, or call 860-823-4247 or 860-823-6284.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: All Norwich CT students eligible for free breakfast, lunch in 2025-26
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