Poll shows strong support for no-cost healthy school meals across Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn., March 2, 2026 — A new statewide survey of Connecticut residents shows overwhelming public support for providing all students with no-cost, healthy school meals during the school day. The survey, conducted by The STATS Group for the American Heart Association, interviewed 501 Connecticut residents ages 18 and older January 30 – February 6, 2026, with a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points.
According to the poll, 93% of Connecticut residents support a law that would guarantee no-cost, healthy school meals for all students, with 73% strongly supporting the proposal. Nearly 3 in 4 respondents also say it is very important for schools to teach healthy eating habits (71%) and to provide no-cost healthy meals (71%).
“This survey confirms what we hear every day: too many children in Connecticut are not getting the nourishment needed to learn and grow,” said Adria Giordano, American Heart Association executive director of Connecticut. “Providing no-cost healthy school meals in a practical, popular solution – and Connecticut residents overwhelmingly support taking action.”
Strong Support for Addressing Nutrition Concerns
The survey highlights broad concern about children’s nutritional well‑being:
- 72% say it is a very serious problem that some children do not receive the nourishment they need for learning.
- 68% believe under‑nourished children who do not qualify for free meals represent a very serious problem.
- 63% say children are not learning healthy eating habits.
- 60% are concerned about children consuming too many sugary drinks.
Broad Backing for Funding Approaches
To help cover program costs, 79% of residents support establishing a state tax on sugary drinks, and support increases to 80% when respondents learn the funding would directly provide a daily meal for every student.
“Students cannot learn on an empty stomach, and ensuring they have access to nutritious meals is essential to their ability to thrive,” said Hardik Amin, M.D., American Heart Association Connecticut Board President and Hartford HealthCare stroke neurologist. “At Hartford HealthCare, we see every day how good nutrition influences long‑term health, learning, and overall, well‑being. Supporting no‑cost healthy school meals for all students is a natural extension of our commitment to building healthier communities, reducing barriers to care, and giving every child the foundation they need to succeed—both in the classroom and in life.”
Policy Context in Connecticut
Four legislative proposals under consideration this session would help fund or expand school meal access, including HB 5144, An Act Concerning Funding for School Meals, which has more than 100 legislative sponsors. Additional bills include SB 6, An Act Concerning Supports for Children and Families; HB 5214, An Act Concerning School Meals; and a Finance Committee bill proposing a tax on sugary drinks.
Understanding Sugary Drink Harms
Sugary drinks—including full calorie soda, sports drinks, lemonade, energy drinks, flavored coffees and teas, and fruit drinks with added sugar—are the largest source of added sugars in the U.S. diet. High intake is associated with increased risk of heart disease, unhealthy weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and tooth decay. Multiple U.S. cities and countries worldwide have adopted sugary drink taxes, which research shows can reduce purchases, improve health, and generate revenue for community health programs.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online by The STATS Group with a scientific sample of 501 Connecticut adults from January 30–February 6, 2026. The poll was commissioned by the American Heart Association. The margin of sampling error is ±4.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All questionnaire design, survey administration, and analysis were conducted under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Dautrich. Results are weighted to reflect Connecticut’s adult population.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Local Media Contact: Mary Ann Burns – mary.ann.burns@heart.org
For Media Inquiries:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
