When mass school closures began on March 17th cities began re-opening cafeterias to offer school meals. Since that time they have served less than 40% of the meals to students in urban cities in Connecticut. .
Time and day changes, little to no site signage, minimal communication with families and community regarding food resource have lead to the lower than desired impact. With the increase in lay-offs and reduction in economic resources connecting families who need food will become increasing more critical. Please support the efforts of the CT Urban City COVID-19 Taskforce.
Solution:
Offer a state- wide uniform process similar the the Summer School Meal program to offer meals during COVID-19 closures. That includes uniform days/times, same distribution standards, city and school level communication and clear site communication in English and Spanish regarding available meals.
Offer bus route distribution of food in order to keep students and families in their neighborhoods and/or home. Currently, families are required to pick up meals 3 to 5 days per week at school sites.
Allow the surplus meals to be "rescued" daily and distributed via food pantries, after school hubs and other approved food handling organizations.
Improve the communication and front-line support of the COVID-19 Community Wide Emergency Meal Program for Children which allows students from 36 public schools in Connecticut to receive their school meals at any school in network.
