Norwalk board approves $200,000 city contribution to free school meals program
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Summary
The Board of Estimate and Taxation approved a $200,000 one-time special appropriation from the city general fund to help fund Norwalk Public Schools’ free meals program. Members discussed funding sources, asked the district to examine meal rules to reduce waste, and approved the measure by voice vote.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation approved a $200,000 special appropriation from the city general fund to support the Norwalk Public Schools free meals program at a Nov. 3 special meeting.
Board of Estimate and Taxation chair Mayor Rilling and members voted by voice to approve a resolution transferring $200,000 from the city general fund balance to the Norwalk Public School lunch fund. The clerk read the resolution into the record as a special appropriation for the city’s contribution to the district’s free meals program.
City staff explained the appropriation came after budget decisions that reduced the school nutrition program; the city portion requested at the special meeting is $200,000. Staff said additional funding is expected from private donors (identified in the meeting as the Accord Foundation and a donor named Austin McCord) and that the Board of Education would contribute $75,000. City staff described the appropriation as closing a portion of a previously noted $500,000 gap tied to the district’s budget reductions.
Members asked for clarifications about program structure and potential waste. Member Yang asked, “Are these related to SNAP, or is this an independent program that Norwalk sponsors?” Staff replied the free-meal program is independent of SNAP. Yang raised concerns she had heard about food waste in schools and asked whether selection rules could be loosened so students who want only a milk or single item would not have to take a full tray. Mayor Rilling said the city can recommend changes but that any policy changes would be for Norwalk Public Schools to consider, adding that “all we can do is suggest that they look at ways to eliminate food waste as part of, you know, continuing to run this program.”
Members also suggested the district explore redirecting unused food to local food pantries and sending communications to families who can afford meals with an option to donate. Staff noted the overall program is larger — described in the meeting as approximately $7,000,000 in total — and that, according to staff, no students have been going hungry to date while the district works to fully align funding.
Chair Mayor Rilling called for a voice vote; board members responded “aye,” and the resolution was approved with no opposition or abstentions recorded in the meeting. The clerk recorded the measure as approved during the special session.
