Thanks to the expansion of New York’s universal school meals program, students can now focus on learning rather than where their next meal is coming from.
The program requires that, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, all districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of their family income.
“Every child deserves dignity, nourishment and the chance to embrace opportunity,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “By expanding universal school meals statewide, we're ensuring that no child will face the impossible task of trying to learn while hungry.”
“In the richest state, in the richest country in the world, we shouldn’t have children wondering where their next meal is coming from. It’s just that simple,” Person said.
The $340 million initiative covers school meals for all of New York’s 2.7 million students and finishes the work that was started two years prior, when the USDA expanded the Community Eligibility Provision and gave 2.37 million New York children access to free school meals but left 300,000 children without. The latest state investment closes the gap for those remaining students.
Currently, one in five New York children lives in poverty. Expanding universal meals to all students reduces food insecurity and strengthens economic equity. Universal meals are also a proven strategy for boosting student health and enhancing their academic performance.
In addition to filling student bellies, the provision is also expected to pad New Yorkers’ wallets; by extending free meals to all students, the initiative is expected to save families an estimated $165 per month, per child.
At a recent press conference at Mill Road Primary School in Red Hook, the Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids Coalition, an alliance of over 350 schools, unions, anti-hunger groups, parents, teachers, and students celebrated their delivery on a promise to help all students thrive.
“Our vision to bring universal school meals to New York is one of the most consequential public goods we’ve delivered for children and families in a generation — setting our students up to succeed in school and beyond,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey, the prime Senate sponsor of the Universal School Meals Act. “Guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch means no child has to learn hungry, we eliminate the stigma that once held students back, and we deliver tangible savings and peace of mind to families.”
“What an incredible victory! I’m so proud of our team, the advocates, parents, union leaders, and the bipartisan coalition that made this possible,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. “I’m especially grateful to have worked alongside Senator Hinchey and the dedicated advocates who co-championed this important bill. This was a hard-fought battle over three years — and we delivered.”
Person thanked the tireless advocacy of the coalition, Hinchey, Gonzalez-Rojas, and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, as well as the championship of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Our deep thanks to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for recognizing that providing meals to our children isn't simply an act of compassion — it's fundamental to their achievement and future success.”
Event Gallery
