Dear E.O. Smith Families,
We are writing in regard to the interruption of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown.
As of November 1st, SNAP (food stamps) benefits will not be issued, and we want to reassure you that the District Food Service Program and your town’s Human Services Department are prepared to support our students and their families during this difficult time.
Please note that the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program continues without interruption, and these services remain fully funded and available to all who participate now and in the future. Students who have qualified by an approved application or by direct certification will continue to receive free or reduced meals each day.
We are committed to ensuring each student has access to nutrition daily. Per district policy, students may charge one breakfast and one lunch meal each day, regardless of their account balance.
Region 19 families can apply or reapply for free/reduced meals at any time throughout the school year:
• Use this
link to apply online
• Contact
[email protected] or call
860-429-7824 if you would like an application or need help completing the application
If you would like an application sent to you, or you need help with an application, please contact the Food Service Office.
Additional support can be found through:
•
Access
Agency in Willimantic
•
Mansfield Human Services Department – Food Programs
• In Willington, Food Share will be at the Town Hall from 11:00–11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The Food Share truck visits Willington every other week, marking November 19 as the next date. Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. there are bread and desserts available on the backside of the Town Office building. Willington Human Services has a food pantry open Monday 4:00–6:00 p.m. and Thursday 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Families can contact
[email protected].
•
Ashford Human Services:
Ashford
Town Hall SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown
•
Covenant
Soup Kitchen in Willimantic
•
United
Way’s 211 hotline and website
At this time, families are still encouraged to apply for SNAP benefits so that when funding becomes available again, they will be ready to receive assistance. Pregnant women and their children under age 5 may qualify for WIC (another supplemental nutrition assistance program).
Access
Agency can help families access these programs and possibly other support as well.
If you are interested in helping your neighbors, you can donate to town programs:
• Here is a
link to the Mansfield Town Human Services wish list
• Contact your own town Human Services Department for ways to help
• The Food Service Office can accept donations to the unpaid meal charges fund in the form of cash or check only. The office is located in the Mansfield Town Hall, 4 South Eagleville Rd.
Questions or Concerns:
We welcome your feedback and are happy to help. If you have any questions about accessing assistance, your student's meal account, or free/reduced status, please don't hesitate to contact us at the Mansfield Public Schools Food Service Department at
860-429-7824 or
[email protected], or the Region 19 Superintendent’s Office at
[email protected].
We also encourage you to reach out to the social workers at your child’s school if you need additional services.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to serving your family throughout the rest of the school year.
Sincerely,
Maraiah Popeleski-Tilley – Food Service Director
Sharon Cournoyer – Superintendent
