By George Gandy

January 10, 2025

New York State is looking to cover school meals for students, according to a new initiative.

This proposed program is part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State, which will ensure that over 2.7 million public school students will receive free breakfasts and lunches at school.

The program, according to NYS, is expected to save families around $165 per month on groceries.

Experts and advocates say providing free school lunches for students could lead to their overall academic improvement, while addressing food insecurity.

Nearly one in six New York children faces food insecurity. NYSUT president Melinda Person says this initiative to provide universal free meals for all students — regardless of their ZIP code or family income — will reduce food anxiety, improve mental and physical health, and support students’ ability to thrive.” Person added, “Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the nutrition they need to grow and learn.”

Local leaders are weighing in on the proposals as well. Chris Dailey is the superintendent for Gates Chili Central Schools and serves as president for the Monroe Co. Council of School Superintendents.

“I believe this will be a game-changer for districts that don’t have it already. It has been for us over the last two years. It levels the playing field for all kids and gives parents and guardians a great relief knowing the kids will get breakfast and lunch every day. It’s one less thing to worry about,” said Dailey.

“Nobody is going to fall through the cracks in those districts that might have had to apply for the program, didn’t for some reason, or don’t meet the thresholds but are still experiencing food insecurity. This going to be great because it really takes the guess work out of it and guarantees the whole child lunch in Monroe Co. and beyond,” said Eamonn Scanlon, director of community impact for The Children’s Agenda.

Other area school districts taking part in free school meals include East Rochester, which asks families to fill out an application form. RCSD also works with the city and organizations to ensure free lunches, and all students in Greece are able to receive these free meals regardless of income.

No Kid Hungry New York director Rachel Sabella issued the following statement on the initiative:

“No-cost, universal school meals ensure all our kids are nourished – it’s really that simple. With this plan to provide New York students with no-cost breakfast and lunch, Governor Hochul is taking major strides to end child hunger. At a time when food insecurity is rising and families are struggling to put food on the table, bold proposals like these can help parents make ends meet, move the needle on reducing poverty, and demonstrate how government can do big things. Now, as proposals in Congress and comments from the incoming administration raise fears about cuts to federal programs, it’s critical that New York is ready for what’s to come.

“New York has the power to intervene in the child hunger crisis, but only if we act now. People across the state have been energized by the Governor’s plan to expand the Empire Child Tax Credit and make no-cost school meals universal. Now, we need the Legislature, City leaders, and partners at every level of government to take action. We can’t ever resign ourselves to more kids facing hunger, or more families going without the help they need. Every child in New York deserves three healthy, nutritious meals a day. Let’s make that a reality this year.”

Original article here: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/education-essentials/nys-will-cover-breakfast-and-lunches-for-students/