Vernon Free School Meal Program Extended Through End Of Month

VERNON, CT — The free school meal program in Vernon has been extended until the end of June, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said.

The final day is slated for June 29, he said. Town officials are discussing the possible extension of the program with federal officials for the summer, he added.

Vernon has already served about 50,000 free school meals since the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Macary said the school system has been averaging more than 500 meals on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday distribution days at Vernon Center Middle School.

The free meal program began in mid-March. Initially the meals consisted of light continental style breakfasts and sandwiches for lunch. A month later, meals were getting seriously more gourmet. That meant the chef began breaking out the chicken nuggets the meatballs, the cheese pizza and the mozzerella sticks, said Elizabeth Fisher, the director of food and nutrition services for all seven public schools in Vernon.

Meals are being served from 9 to 11 a.m. at VCMS every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.