ALBANY- Senator Michelle Hinchey rallied alongside the Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids Coalition Wednesday at the state capitol to call for the inclusion of her bill (S1678A) to permanently fund free breakfast and lunch for all public school students in the upcoming state budget. A staggering one in seven children in New York experiences hunger, which can hinder a child’s ability to focus in school as well as impact their mental and physical health.
The Healthy School Meals for All program is supported by a coalition of over 250 organizations, including New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the New York Farm Bureau (NYFB). According to the senator’s office, nearly 90 percent of New Yorkers support the policy.
“Healthy food is a form of healthcare, and it’s time for New York to be a leader in addressing child hunger in our schools,” Senator Michelle Hinchey said. “Free universal school meals is a proven model of success that will help us ensure no child is left behind, no matter where they live or their family’s ability to pay.”
The measure would also provide savings to families who currently have to purchase or bring lunch to school as it is estimated that families spend $140 on groceries per child each month. Healthy School Meals for All is a proven policy implemented in states across the country — including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont — that directly address childhood hunger and has been shown to improve student outcomes.
Hinchey hopes to have the initiative funded in the state budget, which is due on April 1st.
