New Bedford Schools Guarantee Meals All Year

If you are one of the families from across the SouthCoast that have been concerned about how the federal government shutdown may affect local school meal programs, this may ease your mind.

New Bedford Public Schools has now confirmed that breakfast and lunch will continue to be served every school day throughout the entire school year, without interruption, regardless of whether or not the government shutdown continues.

New Bedford School Superintendent Reassures Families

Superintendent Andrew O’Leary released a message to New Bedford families explaining that meal services will remain secure. "All National School Lunch Program districts maintain strong reserves to ensure uninterrupted meal service,” he stated. The district can also adjust budgets as needed until federal reimbursements resume.

This reassurance extends beyond New Bedford Public Schools. Meals will also continue without disruption at:

• Parochial schools
• Alma del Mar Charter Schools
• Sister Schools across the city

Why This Matters

Many households rely on school meals, especially while some families may experience delays in federal SNAP benefits. School meals meet USDA nutritional standards and are available to all students daily.

O'Leary encouraged students to make full use of the free meals provided:

“We encourage all students to take advantage of these meals – especially while some families may experience a pause in federal SNAP benefits," he said.

Help for Families Needing Extra Support

For anyone needing additional food resources, Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline can connect families to local programs and food pantries.

Call 1-800-645-8333 or visit the Project Bread website. Support is offered in 180 languages.