Dear Stratford Public Schools Community,
With the continued uncertainty regarding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, we understand that many families may be experiencing hardship. Ensuring that every child has consistent access to nutritious food is paramount to their learning and well-being. Our commitment, in alignment with the Stratford Public Schools mission, is to actively support our community during this time.
We want to assure you that the Town of Stratford and its partners are mobilizing resources, and support is available.
Community Partnership & Updated Resources
We want to acknowledge the work of our partner, Stratford Community Services, who prepared and updated the essential Stratford Eats! resource. This document is a critical, up-to-date guide to local food banks, pantries, and community meals. It is attached to this email.
The updated Stratford Eats! resource, effective October 2025, now reflects the most current information on local meal and pantry services:
· Baldwin Center Lunch (Ages 60+): The Baldwin Cafe is available for lunch reservations for older adults (60 years and older) from Monday to Friday. They have the capacity to take more reservations, so please call 203.385.4050 to reserve a spot.
o Location: 1000 West Broad St.
· YMCA Self Serve Pantry: Available seven days a week, with varying hours.
· Sterling Community Center Food Pantry: Available Monday and Thursday, and Tuesday afternoons.
o For more information - Link Here: https://www.sterlingcommunitycenter.org/accessfoodct
· St. James Church Food Pantry: Available Wednesday afternoons.
· South End Community Center: Has temporary hours and is available Wednesday mornings.
· Holy Name of Jesus Church Pantry: Available every other Monday.
The State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has posted the following alert on their website -
The federal government has stopped funding SNAP effective November 1. For information on how this impacts your benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Those in need of immediate food assistance or who want to donate or volunteer can locate their local food pantry or a mobile pantry by visiting 211ct.org or ctfoodshare.org, or texting the word FOODSHARE to 85511.
Community Response and Food Drives
· Stratford Strong Initiative: The Stratford Strong community action group is actively mobilizing. They are meeting on November 5, 2025, to plan distribution of an updated "Food Drive 101" guide (originally created during the pandemic) to help the public best organize and direct support to our local pantries. We will share this guide as soon as it is available.
· School Food Drives: As several of our schools initiate supportive food drives, we will share specific collection information and ways to participate to maximize the community’s collective impact.
School Meal Program Reminder
Please remember that your child’s access to meals at school is a constant source of support. If your household’s financial situation has changed, we strongly encourage you to:
· Apply for Free and Reduced Meals: You can apply for the Free and Reduced Price School Meal Program at any point during the school year. Do not wait for a specific enrollment period—if your circumstances have changed, apply now.
· Free and Reduced Meal Application - The Free and Reduced meal application can be found online by going to the Stratford Public Schools Website (www.stratfordk12.org), or click the following link - SPS Food Services
For food emergencies, please call the Baldwin Center at 203.385.4050 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, or call 2-1-1 for after-hours assistance.
We are committed to helping every student thrive. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we will ensure our community has the support it needs.
Stratford Public Schools
Include - Engage - Inspire