NYSUT President Melinda Person said, “Every day in our schools, educators see hungry children who would likely qualify for existing free meal programs, but fall through the cracks due to stigma or bureaucracy. Nearly one in six New York children faces food insecurity, and this critical initiative to provide universal free meals for all students — regardless of their ZIP code or family income — will reduce food anxiety, improve mental and physical health, and support students’ ability to thrive. Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the nutrition they need to grow and learn.”
Community Food Advocates Executive Director Liz Accles said, “The Healthy School Meals for All Coalition has always believed in the power of government to work for the good of the people. Universal Free School Meals is an immediately tangible and prime example of this principle in action. We thank Governor Hochul for championing this issue and making it a top priority–we are absolutely thrilled.”
Hunger Solutions New York CEO Andrés J. Vives said, “With today’s announcement, Governor Hochul has made it clear New York will lead the way in ensuring all children have access to the food they need to thrive. Universal access to free school breakfast and lunch will alleviate hunger, support children’s mental and physical health, and provide much-needed financial relief to families struggling with high costs of living. We applaud the Governor’s championing of this historic investment and look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure this proposal is included in the final budget.”
New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert S. Schneider said, “NYSSBA is thrilled to support this initiative. The last two state budgets made significant investments in school meals, and this program builds on that progress by providing a truly universal school meals program. This will ensure that no children go to school hungry and greatly increases their chances to be successful in the classroom.”
School Administrators Association of New York State Executive Director Jennifer Carlson said, “The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) commends the Governor’s inclusion of significant funding to ensure that every student is eligible to receive breakfast and lunch in school. School leaders working with students and families have recognized the critical need to provide students with a healthy start to each day. The Governor’s proposed funding will provide all students with the nourishment needed to actively engage in the learning process and support families by reducing costs for such meals. We are pleased and encouraged to see such funding proposed in the Governor’s State of the State address.”
New York State Council of School Superintendents Executive Director Charles Dedrick said, “We commend Governor Hochul’s proposal to assure access to free in-school meals for all children. It will reduce hunger among schoolchildren, spare parents both time and money, and simplify administration for schools. Superintendents across the state hope it will be enacted in the next state budget.”
NY School Nutrition Association CEO Jennifer Martin said, “As an organization dedicated to the well-being and future of our state’s children, we applaud Governor Hochul for including school meals for all in this year’s budget. This bold and compassionate move ensures that every child, regardless of background, has access to the nourishment they need to succeed in the classroom. A hungry child is a child distracted from their potential, and by providing meals to all students, we are investing in their health, their education, and their future. We encourage all legislators to join the Governor in this effort to break down barriers and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. This is a critical step toward building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future for our state.”
Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said, “Universal breakfast and lunch for New York’s schoolchildren will be a game changer in our collective mission to combat hunger in New York and deliver critical financial relief for Nassau County’s hardworking young families. I applaud Governor Hochul for prioritizing this initiative in her upcoming budget – one that will equip our families to thrive and our students to excel in the classroom.”
Town of North Hempstead Council Member and Westbury District Board of Education President Robert Troiano said, “Nearly everyone is being stretched by rising costs, especially for food. The Governor’s plan will provide relief for families across the economic spectrum while ensuring their children receive healthy meals. In Westbury, we have found that academic performance increases and behavioral issues decrease when every child is assured of a nutritious meal. We have also found that implementing universal free meals releases families from the stigma of the application process and relieves the school district of the cost and burden of administering the application process. We applaud the Governor for expanding the reach of the Universal Free Meals Program to all.”
Island Harvest President and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner said, “With this one policy proposal, Governor Hochul will dramatically reduce food insecurity among New York’s students. When the Legislature approves the state’s budget, every student across Long Island and New York State will know when and where their next breakfast and lunch will come from every day school is in session. Parents will have more money in their pockets to support their children, and most importantly, studies have proven that when children are treated equally and have the same access to healthy foods at school, grades improve, and relationships between the students strengthen. There is less stress at school and in the homes. Governor Hochul has increased food access to students in her budgets, supported food banks and the emergency food system, and is the champion in the fight against hunger and food insecurity New York needs.”
Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association Executive Director Bob Vecchio said, “We are grateful to the Governor for advancing this cause and leading the way on this issue. Food insecurities impact so many communities in every region of New York State. By supporting this initiative, it eliminates the issue of food insecurities in our schools for so many, while also making sure the students who will benefit by this measure won’t suffer from the stigma attached with being eligible for free or reduced meals. The Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association proudly supports free school meals for all New York State students.”
Health and Welfare Council of Long Island President and CEO Vanessa Baird-Streeter said, “I commend Governor Hochul for her support of Universal School Meals for all. Ensuring that all students have access to breakfast and lunch in school will enhance academic performance and improve students’ ability to concentrate and retain information which is beneficial to their educational experiences. Given the high cost of living on Long Island, which makes it challenging for some families to provide three square meals a day, knowing that children will receive healthy and nutritious meals at school will significantly alleviate this burden on families.”
NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky said, “There is nothing more important than the health and wellness of our children. Ensuring ALL NYS students can eat nutritious meals at school – at no cost to their families – is essential, while at the same time reducing stigma surrounding school lunch programs. We truly applaud Governor Hochul and legislative leaders who have been championing this issue. Now is the time for New York to support ALL students, parents, and families and fund free school meals for all. Our children’s health, wellness, mental health, and learning will truly benefit.”
