Leanne Ranheim
District Nutrition Program Coordinator/Cafeteria Manager
215 Halls Hill Road
(860) 537-9421 x6507
Email: [email protected]
Colchester Public Schools Lunch Program meets all state requirements for healthy and well-balanced meals. In addition, Colchester participates in the Healthy Snacks Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. Our page on Health and Wellness for Children provides a great deal of information.
Breakfast and Lunch for 2023-2024
In accordance with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Operational Memorandum No. 18-23 State Transition Assistance for Breakfast and Lunch Expenses (STABLE), Colchester Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year, will be offering breakfast free to all students (one per student per day) and free lunch to students who qualify for free or reduced priced meals (one per student per day). If your child(ren) do not qualify for free or reduced priced meals, lunch prices are K-8 $3.00 and 9-12 $3.30. CPS strongly recommends that parents fill out and submit a free/reduced application for the school year 2023-24.
A free/reduced application will be sent home with every student on the first day of school, they are also available by clicking on the link below, and hard copies are available (as of the first day of school) in the main office at each school.
Free and Reduced Meal Prices Information for 2023-2024
COVID-19 Information
Where can I receive information about summer feeding sites in my community?
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally-funded, state-administered program. Children 18 years and younger may receive free meals and snacks through the SFSP. At most sites, children receive either one or two reimbursable meals each day. There may be summer meal sites in your area that are available to your children. To find a site use the Summer Meals Location Finder or call 1-866-974-SNAP or 1-866-974-7627.
How can I know if I am eligible for traditional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits?
SNAP eligibility is based on household income. In Connecticut, a household may be eligible if their income is less than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, the same income threshold that is used to qualify for the Summer Meals on the Move program. The added benefit to a household receiving SNAP benefits is that the children are "directly certified," or automatically eligible, for free school meals without having to fill out the Free/Reduced-price School Meal Application. To see if your household qualifies for SNAP benefits year-round, call 1-866-974-7627 or visit the SNAP prescreen websites at ConneCT or CTSnap.
State Department of Education Contact:
DSS Field Offices & telephone Benefits Center (1-855-626-6632) are open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & Tuesdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. (closed Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. on and all day Wednesdays as staff process applications, renewals & related work). For 24/7 access visit www.ct.gov/dss/fieldoffices.
Other Programs/Initiatives
For information about the district Wellness Initiative, ideas for school snacks, fundraising, and other programs, please visit the links below.
Parents who would like further information on the school lunch program or who have any questions regarding school lunches may contact the school cafeteria manager.