Today, Governor Hochul made a historic commitment to end childhood hunger in New York schools. The Healthy School Meals for All New York Kids coalition—a group of more than 300 nonprofits, parent and teacher groups, labor unions, and anti-hunger organizations—applauds Governor Hochul’s announcement that she will include funding for statewide universal free school meals in her proposed executive budget.
This program not only feeds children nutritious food that improves academic performance and reduces stigma it also puts money back in families’ pockets. Free school meal programs save parents an estimated $165 per child in food costs per month. The savings are significant, particularly when New Yorkers in every corner of the state are struggling to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living.
In the coming months, we look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leaders to ensure Healthy School Meals for All gets across the finish line in the final New York State budget. This is an opportunity for Albany to send a united message: We will not accept hunger in our schools.
