Middletown Schools face federal funding cuts threatening meal programs and after school grants

Middletown School District officials are grappling with potential changes to federal funding for school meal programs, which could significantly impact the nutrition services provided to students. During the Board of Education meeting on May 13, 2025, concerns were raised about the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which allows districts to offer free meals to all students. Currently, Middletown Public Schools serves 61% of its students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, a figure that underscores the importance of maintaining accessible meal programs.

The uncertainty surrounding federal funding comes as Congress debates budget cuts that could affect school nutrition programs. While the proposed cuts do not directly target the CEP, reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could have downstream effects on the USDA's food nutrition programs, further complicating the situation for local districts.

In addition to the CEP discussions, the board noted that a recent legislative effort to impose a tax on sweetened beverages to fund universal free meals failed to gain traction in the state legislature. Another bill aimed at providing free meals to all Connecticut public school students also stalled in committee.

The meeting also highlighted the challenges facing after-school programs funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. With federal funding recently cut, the district is preparing for a competitive state-administered grant process for the upcoming year. Currently, Middletown has five after-school sites, but only three will remain active due to funding limitations.

As the district navigates these funding challenges, officials emphasized the importance of transparency and community awareness regarding the implications of federal decisions on local students. The board remains committed to advocating for necessary resources to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals and after-school programming.