Norwalk approves $200,000 to help fund free school meal program

The Board of Estimate and Taxation voted Nov. 3 to approve a $200,000 special appropriation from the city’s general fund balance to the Norwalk Public School lunch fund to help continue a free meals program.

The resolution, read into the record by the city clerk, directs a transfer of $200,000 from the general fund balance to the Norwalk Public School lunch fund. Tom (city staff) and Jared (city staff) explained the request after the clerk read the language aloud.

Mayor Rilling described the background: after the city and the Board of Education negotiated budget changes, the board reduced its budget by $2 million and, according to the mayor, $500,000 of that reduction came from the school free lunch program. “Given the choice of $200,000 or sending kids to school hungry, it’s not a rocket scientist to figure out that we have to fund that program,” Mayor Rilling said.

According to staff, the shortfall will be funded from three sources: $200,000 from a private donor (identified in the meeting as Austin McCord), $75,000 from the Board of Education and $200,000 from the city. Jared clarified that the board’s contribution is $75,000, not $200,000.

Board members pressed staff on program details. Miss Yang asked whether the free meals effort is tied to SNAP; staff said it is an independent city/school program. Several members raised concerns about food waste that a former staffer, Greg Burnett, had documented. Miss Yang suggested the district consider permitting students to choose fewer items—“if someone just wants a carton of milk, they can just get a carton of milk”—while others cautioned that age and supervision affect whether that approach is appropriate for younger children.

Members also urged the district to explore food‑recovery or donation options for unserved food and to communicate to families who can pay that a voluntary contribution channel exists. Hardy asked whether any students had gone without food; staff said no and that the overall program is largely funded, but the appropriation was needed to fully fund the program this year.

On a voice vote, the board approved the resolution. The clerk recorded the outcome as approved.