MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Public Schools and Region 19 High School have announced their policy for the 2025-26 school year regarding eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Students enrolled in these programs will have the opportunity to receive one school breakfast and one school lunch each day at no cost if they qualify for reduced-price meals.
To determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, Connecticut will apply income guidelines effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This initiative is part of the Children Nutrition Programs (CNP), which also includes the provision of free milk under the Special Milk Program (SMP).
Application forms for the meal program are being distributed to all households, accompanied by a letter addressed to parents. Households are encouraged to complete the application and return it to their respective schools. Importantly, only one application is necessary per household. An application for free or reduced-price meals will be approved only if it contains complete eligibility information as outlined in the application instructions.
In cases where a household member is receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program, no application is required. All students in these households will automatically qualify for free school meals. Additionally, students may also be eligible for free or reduced-price meals if they are enrolled in HUSKY A (Medicaid). For those students, the district will certify eligibility without the need for a separate application.
Households participating in the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may also find their students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, though a completed application must be submitted to confirm this eligibility.
The Mansfield Public Schools and Region 19 High School aim to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day, helping to support their health and academic performance.
