SNAP Changes May Affect Your Benefits & Free Summer Meals for Kids
July 14, 2026
Here are the sections in today's email:
SNAP Changes May Affect Your Benefits
Free Meals Available for Children
Let's Talk About It: WAIM
Hot Weather Protocol
Poetry in the Park
SNAP Changes May Affect Your Benefits
A new federal law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is changing eligibility and work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some Connecticut residents may need to provide additional information to continue receiving benefits. These changes may affect you if you are:
Between the ages of 18-64
Living with a child over the age of 14
Pregnant or physically or mentally unable to work
Caring for someone who is ill or has a disability
Receiving disability benefits such as SSI, SSDI, or VA
Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
The Connecticut Department of Social Services encourages SNAP recipients to review the new requirements and determine whether they appy to your household.
You may need to provide additional documentation to keep your SNAP benefits. Submit your documents such as proof of pregnancy, household size, a medical condition, employment, volunteer service, or participation in an education or training program. The quickest way to submit documents is by taking a picture with your phone and submitting it through MyDSS or ConneCT.
If you do not have a MyDSS or ConneCT account, you can also:
Mail your documents to the DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, P.O. Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045
Visit your local DSS office, including Willimantic Resource Center, 1320 Main Street/Tyler Square, Willimantic, CT 06226 (Click here for other locations)
If you have questions about your SNAP benefits, don't wait until your case is reviewed. Taking a few minutes now to check your status and submit any required documents can help prevent interruptions in your benefits.
Free Meals Available for Children
Summer should be a time for fun—not worrying about where the next meal will come from. That's why Connecticut is reminding families that free, nutritious meals are available to all children and teens aged 18 and younger throughout the summer.
No application, proof of income, or identification is required. Children can simply visit one of the participating meal sites during serving hours.
Nearby meal sites include:
Windham High School Breakfast: 8:20 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Monday - Thursday through July 23
Windham Technical High School Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. Monday - Friday through July 31
Lauter Park Breakfast: 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:35 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Monday - Friday through August 14
Charles H. Barrows Stem Academy Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday - Friday through August 14
Whether they're in the classroom or enjoying vacation, a healthy meal is critical to a child's physical and mental development. I encourage you and your family to take advantage of this great opportunity!
Let's Talk About It: WAIM
I had a wonderful conversation with Dwayne Paul, Executive Director of the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM), on my weekly radio show about the organization’s incredible work serving our community and the many ways volunteers can get involved.
For decades, WAIM has helped individuals and families meet their basic needs to live a dignified life in more than a dozen municipalities in Eastern Connecticut. Since becoming executive director nine months ago, Paul has continued to build on that important mission with compassion and dedication.
One of WAIM’s impactful programs is its boutique at 866 Main Street, where those in need can receive free clothes, household items, and furniture. The boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
We also discussed Bikes for Windham, a program providing free bicycles, helmets, and locks to eligible applicants. More than 100 adults have received a bike, giving them reliable transportation to work, medical appointments, and other essential destinations.
Finally, we highlighted two upcoming fundraisers that help WAIM continue serving our neighbors:
Charity Golf Tournament -- Friday, September 18 at Windham Golf Course. It is open to golfers of all levels and non-golfers alike. A tasty dinner will be served! CLICK HERE to register
Walk for Warmth -- Sunday before Thanksgiving following an interfaith service. The community walk raises fund to help those in need pay for housing expenses including energy bills and other utility assistance during the winter
I encourage everyone to support WAIM by volunteering, donating, or participating in of these events. Please click on the video below to listen to the entire conversation.
Dwayne Paul discusses WAIM's incredible work serving our community.
Hot Weather Protocol
The state has activated the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol through at least 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Anyone who needs a place to get out of the heat can find their nearest cooling center at www.211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Poetry in the Park
Join us for an inspiring evening of poetry, storytelling, and community as Poetry in the Park welcomes nationally acclaimed poet, playwright, actor, and slam coach Sharmont "Influence" Little.
📅 Thursday, July 23 🕡 6:30 p.m. 📍 Poet's Corner, Julia De Burgos Park, Willimantic
As the inaugural Poet Laureate of New Haven, Sharmont "Influence" Little has earned national recognition for his powerful performances and for organizing public readings, workshops, and events that celebrate Black voices, creativity, and community resilience. We are proud to welcome him to Willimantic for what promises to be a memorable evening.
