Free Meals Available for Hamden Public Schools’ Students

HAMDEN, CT — Despite the extended closure of Hamden Public Schools due to concerns over the new coronavirus, students will be able to get free meals. Beginning Monday, March 16, the school district will begin a free food service for its children at three Hamden locations: Hamden High School, Hamden Middle School and Church Street School.

Students/parents from all Hamden schools may pick up at any of the three locations. Breakfast and lunch will be available for pick up Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The meals are available for all children ages 18 and under. Parents or children may pick up the meals each day. No pre-ordering is required.

“When we began planning for possible extended closure, we knew that one of the most important aspects was figuring out how to feed our students, especially those who qualify for free or reduced meals and may depend on these meals daily,” Superintendent of Schools Jody Goeler said. “Of all the things we worried about, this was the one that kept me up at night.”

In an effort to mitigate possible spread of coronavirus to others, the meals are pre-packaged and are to be taken-away, as opposed to being eaten on premises. This is consistent with following “social distancing” practices that have been recommended by health officials. The meals will be distributed outside the schools, as all buildings are closed, officials said.

“I am so proud that we were able to get this program into operation so quickly,” said Tom Ariola, Hamden Public Schools’ Chief Operating and Financial Officer, who oversees food services for the schools. “I am grateful to our food services provider, Whitson’s, as well as the State of Connecticut, for their help in making this happen. This is so important for our students and the larger Hamden community.”

“We understand that closing schools will be difficult for many families, but the Coronavirus has placed all of us in an unprecedented situation that requires a community response,” officials wrote in a news release. “Providing meals for students is just part of Hamden Public Schools’ support for our families during these challenging times.”

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