Connecticut can do better on food security for its kids

By MARYAM ELAHI and CATHERINE MARRION

27 Feb 2026 | Special to The Day | Link to original article

Maryam Elahi is President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Catherine Marrion is chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

As Connecticut lawmakers ﬁnalize the state budget, there are two evidence-based policies that if adopted, can dramatically improve the lives of many residents. They are: 1. implementing statewide universal free school breakfast and lunch; and 2. strengthening Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access. Together, these policies would measurably reduce food insecurity, improve child health and support long-term economic stability.

A recent multi-state study found that School Meals for All policies resulted in a 12% reduction in food insecurity compared to states that returned to incomebased programs after federal waivers expired. Among lowincome families, food insecurity dropped nearly 19%, with similar gains for families near the free and reduced-price eligibility cutoff.

The beneﬁts extend beyond food security. A large systematic review of universal free school meal policies found consistent increases in both breakfast and lunch participation across thousands of schools. In other words, when meals are free for all, kids eat more. Higher participation is linked to improved diet quality and, in some studies, better attendance and school climate.

Universal policies also reduce stigma. Research examining student experiences across multiple states found that low-income students in states with universal meals were signiﬁcantly less likely to feel embarrassed about eating school lunch. When students feel included rather than singled out, participation rises, and programs work as intended.

Other states have already demonstrated what is possible. Following the pandemic, our neighboring state of Massachusetts made universal free school meals permanent and saw increased participation statewide, particularly among students whose families would have otherwise paid out of pocket. Schools gained more stable nutrition funding, allowing reinvestment in food quality and operations. Similarly, Colorado voters approved the “Healthy School Meals for All” program and saw student participation jump by roughly 30% in some areas. As a result of this initiative, Colorado families are estimated to save approximately $1,250 per child per year in meal costs, which brings meaningful relief at a time of persistent inﬂation.

These states demonstrate what is possible when policymakers move beyond half measures. Universal breakfast is an important step, but hunger does not end at noon. If Connecticut is serious about reducing child poverty and supporting working families, both breakfast and lunch must be included.

And while school meals feed children during the day, SNAP supports families in the evenings, on weekends and during the summer. The federal government’s passage of H.R. 1 changes eligibility requirements for SNAP, resulting in roughly 36,000 Connecticut residents losing their beneﬁts.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities data indicates that SNAP participation is linked to improved health outcomes, including reduced food insecurity and better overall health. Children receiving SNAP are less likely to experience anemia and other nutrition-related health challenges. SNAP is also associated with lower health care costs. Studies show participation is linked to fewer hospitalizations and reduced emergency room visits, particularly among lowincome adults. In other words, SNAP is an investment that can reduce downstream Medicaid and health system costs.

Universal school meals and a strong SNAP program are not isolated interventions. Together, they form a comprehensive strategy to ensure that children are fed where they learn and families are supported where they live. These solutions are practical and datadriven, and they reﬂect the priorities of the End Child Poverty Now campaign — a statewide coalition working to reduce hardship for Connecticut families.

Connecticut has long prided itself on educational excellence and economic opportunity. Yet neither can happen when children are distracted by hunger or when parents must choose between groceries and other essentials.

As our state legislature ﬁnalizes its budget, there are clear choices before us. We can choose a system that leaves working families navigating paperwork barriers and eligibility cliffs, or we can choose universal access, stability and dignity.

Other states have already demonstrated that bold action is possible and effective. Connecticut can do the same.