Governor Hochul Celebrates Universal School Meals Program in Effect During First Week of 2025-26 Academic School Year

ALBANY, N.Y. (New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul)– Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “As our students returned to school this week, I reflected on how grateful I am to have worked alongside the Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids coalition to pass Universal School Meals. I am deeply appreciative of the Governor’s commitment to this and the unwavering support of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Senator Michelle Hinchey. In New York, our children come first, and ensuring they are well-nourished during the school year is essential. Achieving this was no small feat—we worked tirelessly with advocates, unions and colleagues for years to make it happen. Now children will be well nourished in school and parents do not have to choose between paying rent or covering the cost of school meals. At a time when education is under attack and social services are being stripped away, I’m proud that New York remains vigilant in protecting and supporting our children.”