Next school year, students across New York will receive free school breakfast and lunch regardless of their family’s income through the Universal School Meals Act approved as part of the state budget.

On Monday, school officials, advocates and legislators gathered at Red Hook’s Mill Road Elementary School to celebrate the momentous program, which includes all school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program.

“This initiative marks a critical step toward ensuring that every student has access to the nutritious meals they need to learn, grow and thrive,” Red Hook Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden said in her opening remarks. “But, this program is about more than food. It’s about equity, dignity and opportunity for all children.”

District 41 State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, noted around 80% of schools had already qualified for the free lunch program of last year, but advocates and lawmakers continued pushing to make it a universal right in New York. By being uniform, they said, it removes the stigma some may feel in taking part in the program due to their family’s income level. And, free meals will save the average family $165 per month. Red Hook for several years has offered free breakfast to all its students through generous annual donations from the Ascienzo Family Foundation, which was honored during the gathering, and free and reduced lunch to qualifying students. Red Hook can now opt-in to the statewide program for breakfast and lunch.

Read more about the event here: https://www.redhookcentralschools.org/rhcsd-details/~board/articles/post/universal-school-meals-act-celebrated-at-mill-road
Watch a video featuring the speakers and students here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19rPArP13Y/