New York makes steps toward Healthy School Meals for All

In the most recent state budget, New York, for the first time, included nearly $135 million to create a state program designed to cover the cost of free school meals for all in schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP is a federal option that allows schools with a high proportion of low-income students to offer free meals to all their students, regardless of income. New York has boasted one of the highest uptakes of CEP in the country, exceeding 90% of eligible schools participating.