Food Service Program

This summer, children can access free, nutritious meals through USDA SUN Meals at upwards of 500 locations across Connecticut. Any child aged 18 and younger can simply show up and enjoy a healthy meal at no cost to them or their household—no application, income verification, or ID required. Families can find nearby meal sites using the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder. Locations and hours may change throughout the summer, so families should check before they go. In addition, most children eligible for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) benefits will receive them automatically. Families who have not received benefits but believe they may qualify can apply. Learn more about S-EBT.

*Connecticut’s current locations are being still being added and families will be able to find nearby meals starting toward the end of June.  Locations and hours may change throughout the summer, so families should check before they go.

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!

As we begin the 2025–2026 academic year, we would like to inform you of important updates regarding school meals.

Due to the expiration of federal funding, all students will now be required to pay for school meals based on their eligibility status. Students who qualify for either Reduced or Full Pay meal status will be responsible for the cost of both breakfast and lunch.

Meal prices are outlined below in the School Meals Cost section of this website.

It is now more important than ever for families to submit a school meals application to see if they qualify for reduced cost or free meals.

IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE, that families who qualify for reduced or free meals by income may also qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps supplement grocery budgets and supports access to nutritious food.

If and how much SNAP you qualify for depends on:

• your household’s income;

• allowable deductions to your household’s income (examples include monthly shelter expenses, medical bills, and court ordered child support);

• your household size; and

• at least 5 years U.S. residency for qualified non-citizens.

 

We encourage you to learn more about the SNAP program and to apply here:

https://portal.ct.gov/dss/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program---snap/apply?language=en_US

To get more information regarding SNAP, reach out to:

Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA) 860-889-1365

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center administers four magnet schools in Connecticut and believes it is important to provide a high-quality Food Service Program at each of our schools.

Children who eat well-balanced meals and are physically healthy are more likely to learn in the classroom.  The link between good nutrition and good education is clearly demonstrated by better attendance, higher test scores, and fewer behavioral problems in school. Click here to read LEARN's full Student Nutrition and Physical Activity: Student Wellness Policy (#6118).

The schools LEARN currently provides food service are:

Marine Science Magnet High School
Regional Multicultural Magnet School
The Friendship School
Three Rivers Middle College Magnet High School
Ocean Avenue LEARNing Academy 

Questions? Email foodservice@learn.k12.ct.us or call the Magnet Office Food Service Department at 860-434-4800 option 8