Governor Hochul Proposes Free School Meals for All New York Students

“I'm proposing free school meals for every student in New York – giving kids the sustenance they need and putting more money back in parents' pockets.”

In a groundbreaking move to combat food insecurity and support student success, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an initiative to provide free school meals to all 2.7 million students across New York. This historic proposal, part of her 2025 State of the State affordability agenda, aims to reduce financial burdens on families and ensure every child has access to nutritious food in school. The Governor is set to unveil the proposal at Westbury Middle School, a district that has already benefited from universal free meals.

Governor Hochul emphasized the connection between nutrition and academic performance, stating, “I'm proposing free school meals for every student in New York – giving kids the sustenance they need and putting more money back in parents' pockets.” Research supports that free school meals improve test scores, attendance, and classroom behavior. Families stand to save approximately $165 per child each month under this initiative, alleviating grocery expenses and removing financial barriers to access.

The proposal builds on past efforts to expand free meal programs. Last year’s budget allocated $180 million to incentivize schools to join the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. The new plan will cover meal costs for every student, regardless of their school’s CEP participation, benefiting an additional 300,000 students statewide.

Leaders from education and advocacy organizations applauded the proposal. NYSUT President Melinda Person highlighted how the plan addresses stigma and bureaucracy, stating, “Nearly one in six New York children faces food insecurity, and this initiative will reduce food anxiety and improve mental and physical health.”

Hunger Solutions New York CEO Andrés J. Vives called the plan “a historic investment,” while Community Food Advocates Executive Director Liz Accles described it as “a prime example of government working for the good of the people.” Educators and administrators also expressed support, with NY School Nutrition Association CEO Jennifer Martin noting, “A hungry child is a child distracted from their potential.”

Governor Hochul’s commitment to reducing food insecurity extends beyond schools. Her administration supports programs such as Nourish New York, which has provided over 99 million meals, and the Farm-to-School program, connecting schools with local food producers. Other initiatives include grants for regional cooking facilities, expanded funding for emergency food providers, and incentives to boost the use of New York-produced foods in school lunches.

Additionally, programs like FreshConnect and the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program increase access to fresh, locally grown produce, while SNAP-Ed and the Food Access Expansion Grant Program address the needs of underserved areas. Together, these measures strengthen food systems, benefit local farmers, and provide healthy options for families.