“More students have gained access to free breakfast and lunch, and with that, we’re actively breaking the stigma of food insecurity, keeping kids healthy, and helping them learn better, all while saving families money every week,” Hinchey said. “We’re also working to connect the dots between school cafeterias and New York farms by making sure the food students are eating is nutritious and locally grown.”
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Randy Squier, Superintendent of Schools at Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, said that the district currently participates in the Healthy School Meals program.
“It’s made a huge difference in the culture and climate of our schools,” Squier said.
“We support the expansion of free meals for all students across New York,” Squier said. “It’s PREV important, and should be a priority so all students across the state can access free meals.”
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Juliette Pennyman, Superintendent of Schools at Hudson City School District, said that the district currently participates in the Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision, which grants students free breakfast and lunch everyday.
“The district is committed to supporting our families,” she said. “Numerous studies have shown the importance of proper nutrition and how it contributes to academic success.”
“The Hudson City School District supports the efforts of New York State Senator
Michelle Hinchey and state legislators in continuing to attempt to lower the threshold to allow all families to qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches,” she said.
