School officials overwhelmingly support universal free meals

Gratto said a statewide policy would alleviate some of the burden on both parents and school districts, an equitable solution to a difficult problem. Gratto came to the NPCSD earlier this year from the Schroon Lake Central School District, which unlike New Paltz received a community eligibility grant.
“So for the last seven years, I’ve never had to worry about a breakfast or a lunch,” he said. “Every child would get free breakfast and lunch and it was a fabulous benefit to the community.”