New York Governor Announces Plan to Provide Free Breakfasts and Lunches to All Public Schoolers
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Initiative Aims to Address Food Insecurity and Improve Academic Performance
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all 2.7 million public schoolers in New York. The initiative, which is the fifth proposal of her upcoming State of the State address, targets food insecurity and academic performance.
How the Program Would Work
The program would feed students regardless of a family’s annual income or whether the school participates in federal programs. Analysis from Hochul’s office estimates that free public school meals would cut the grocery bills for families by about $165 per child per month. Expanding the state’s current plan would feed almost 300,000 more students who were not previously eligible.
Support from Advocates
Advocates praised Hochul’s plan, highlighting the potential to reduce hunger, improve academic performance, and eliminate the problem of kids falling into debt over the price of lunch. "Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the nutrition they need to grow and learn," said Melinda Person, president of the teacher’s union NYSUT.
Universal School Meals Act
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas sponsors the Universal School Meals Act (S594/A282) in the Assembly. The proposal gives all New York public, charter, and non-public school students free breakfast and lunch, no matter their family income. Schools would have to rely on funding federal programs, with the state covering any gaps.
Cost and Funding
Hochul’s office did not include a price tag for the proposal on Friday. Critics of "free" school meals point out that, even if students don’t pay up front, such programs still cost New Yorkers money in the form of tax dollars.
Complementary Programs
The initiative would complement the Farm-to-School program and Nourish New York, which connect schools and farms offering fresh, locally grown foods. Hochul’s office said that Nourish New York distributed over 100 million meals since 2021.
Public Support
A 2023 Siena poll showed that 77% of New York voters support state-funded school meals, including 63% of Republicans. Support spanned all regions, incomes, races, and age groups.
Conclusion
Governor Hochul’s plan to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all public schoolers in New York aims to address food insecurity and improve academic performance. The initiative has received praise from advocates and support from a majority of New Yorkers. While the cost of the program is not yet clear, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of students across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the program?
A: The program aims to address food insecurity and improve academic performance by providing free breakfasts and lunches to all public schoolers in New York.
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A: All 2.7 million public schoolers in New York are eligible for the program, regardless of their family’s annual income or whether the school participates in federal programs.
Q: How much will the program cost?
A: The cost of the program is not yet clear, but it is expected to be funded through state tax dollars.
Q: What is the current state of food insecurity in New York?
A: According to the Second Annual Forum on Hunger and Food Insecurity in New York, nearly one in six New York children faces food insecurity.
