Moira Rader

 

Reps. Gary Turco & Moira Rader Call for Universal Access to Free Breakfast

 

“It’s a moral obligation.”

Hartford, CT — Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, state Representative Gary Turco (D-Newington/New Britain) and Representative Moira Rader (D-Guilford/Branford) are announcing their plan to again introduce a proposal aimed at expanding access to free breakfast for Connecticut’s children. They are calling on colleagues in the General Assembly to co-introduce the measure during the upcoming legislative session.

The proposal would reimburse school districts for providing breakfast at no cost to all students and lunch at no cost to students currently eligible for reduced-price meals. Last year’s version of the legislation received more than 60 co-introducers, and Rep. Turco expressed hope for even broader bipartisan support this year amid growing concerns about food insecurity and recent federal policy changes.

“Connecticut now has the highest rate of food insecurity in New England and one of the highest rates in the Northeast,” said Rep. Turco. “At a time when federal nutrition assistance programs face uncertainty and proposed cuts, it is critical that we act at the state level to ensure no child is trying to learn while hungry.”

“Nourished students learn better,” said Rep. Rader. “We know that students who start their day with a meal are more emotionally regulated and mentally prepared to engage in their learning. This legislation seeks to support all students and their success.” 

According to the 2025 State of Food Insecurity Report issued by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity, food insecurity continues to rise across the state. While the issue is complex, the Commission identified improved access to school meals as one of its strongest recommendations.

“We know there is widespread support for legislation that addresses food insecurity, especially for our children, within the House and Senate, with more than 100 co-introducers already signed on,” said Rep. Rader. “We hope this expansive support will result in universal free breakfast coming to fruition for our schools.”

Neighboring states, including Massachusetts, New York, Maine, and Vermont, have already implemented similar school meal programs. While this proposal does not yet reach that standard, Rep. Turco emphasized that it represents an important and necessary step forward for Connecticut’s families.

Recent federal actions further underscore the urgency of state intervention. Proposed changes under Federal H.R. 1 could significantly reduce the number of schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program that allows high-poverty schools to provide free meals to all students while reducing administrative burdens and increasing funding. Many Connecticut districts that currently rely on CEP could be affected.

“Even districts that are providing universal meals today may lose that ability due to federal changes,” Rep. Turco said. “Connecticut must step up to protect access to nutritious meals for all children, especially in the communities we represent.”

The proposed legislation would appropriate funds to the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to reimburse school districts for the difference between federal reimbursement rates for reduced-price and fully paid school meals.

“Ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals at school is not just good policy — it’s a moral obligation,” Reps. Turco and Rader said. “We look forward to working with our colleagues to move this important effort forward.”

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