Advocates are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to fund free meals for all students in New York.
In June, the federal waivers that provided free school meals to all students in New York expired.
With it went access to food for 700,000 students.
The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 provided school breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students. The problem is that it wasn’t extended.
That’s why lawmakers and advocates want Governor Hochul to act and make it part of her 2024 budget.
The Healthy School Meals for All coalition says that with the state’s alleged surplus free meals for all students in public schools should be made a priority.
It’s unclear where the Governor stands on the issue. But, given that her state of the state address is happening this week- advocates lobbying for universal free meals should find out if it makes the cut.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]