Governor Hochul Proposes
Free Healthy School Meals for All Students in New York State

FeedMore WNY is happy to share an announcement that could profoundly impact the lives of children across our state. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a groundbreaking initiative to provide free breakfast and lunch to all 2.7 million students in New York State, regardless of family income. This proposal aims to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals, supporting their health, academic success, and overall well-being. We have been working with our partners at Feeding New York State and Hunger Solutions New York to raise awareness for Healthy School Meals for all to ensure that every student in New York state has access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch, so we are thrilled to share this news.

At FeedMore WNY, we see firsthand how hunger affects the children of Western New York. For many families, school meals serve as an essential lifeline, helping to bridge the gap during tough economic times. However, the stigma attached to qualifying for free or reduced-price meals can discourage participation, leaving children to struggle in the classroom on an empty stomach. By making meals universally accessible, Governor Hochul’s proposal removes these barriers and gives every child a sense of dignity as they receive their meal.

We support this effort to combat child hunger, as our mission has always been to fight hunger and ensure no one in our community goes without the food they need to thrive. Governor Hochul’s proposal aligns with our ongoing efforts to make nutritious meals available to children and families in need. We believe this initiative is a critical step forward in addressing the root causes of food insecurity in children.

“FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for including universal school meals in her budget proposal. As Governor Hochul said today, making school meals free for all students is a game changer. This proposal will ensure all New York students have access to a healthy breakfast and lunch, enabling them to be at their best in class, while simultaneously helping New York families save money every month,” Collin Bishop, FeedMore WNY Chief Communications Officer, said.