Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) held a press conference at John F. Kennedy Elementary School to announce the start of the Healthy School Meals for All program in New York schools. The initiative, which takes effect this school year, aims to provide free breakfast and lunch to over 2.7 million students statewide.
Slater, who has previously worked on food insecurity issues as Yorktown town supervisor and is a cosponsor of the program since joining the Assembly in 2023, was joined by local school leaders, superintendents, elected officials, and organizations focused on food insecurity.
Assemblyman Matt Slater stated, “This is a real milestone for New York families. With the full implementation of Universal School Meals, more than 2.7 million students across our state will now receive free breakfast and lunch each school day—no stigma, just healthy meals for every child. Every student deserves an equal shot at success, and providing the fuel they need to reach their potential is a lifeline I’m proud to see finally become reality.”
He added that parents are expected to save about $165 per child monthly or approximately $2,000 annually through this program. He noted that these savings come at a time when many households in Westchester and Putnam counties face financial challenges: “Parents will save around $165 per child per month, or roughly $2,000 a year. At a time when 38% of households in both Westchester and Putnam counties fall below the ALICE survival threshold, these savings will provide relief,” Slater continued. “Students who are properly nourished have better attendance, higher test scores and more positive classroom behavior. No child in New York should ever sit in class hungry, and with this program, none will.”
Tami Wilson of Feeding Westchester commented on the expanded impact: “As Westchester County’s food bank, Feeding Westchester partners with 175 local organizations—including many school pantries—to nourish students and families in need. We thank Gov. Hochul, the Legislature, the Westchester delegation and Assemblyman Slater—a longtime champion of our mission—for the passage of Universal School Meals. This bill will expand free school meals to nearly 35,000 more students in 70 Westchester schools, including 8,000 students in Assemblyman Slater’s district. Together, we remain committed to building a future where every student and every neighbor has the nourishment they need to thrive.”
Marisa O’Leary from Putnam CAP highlighted how universal meals help remove stigma while easing family budgets: “Universal free school meals not only help eliminate the stigma associated with traditional free and reduced cost meals but also provide a significant financial benefit to families including those who are just above the income threshold for traditional meal assistance. This program will help families save hundreds of dollars per child each month freeing up resources for other essential basic living expenses.”
Brewster Superintendent Michelle Gosh described her district’s experience after qualifying for universal meals last year: “Thanks to the forward thinking of Brewster Central School District’s Child Nutrition Services Director Mrs. Cathy Hancock we as a district qualified for the Community Eligibility Provision in November of 2023. As a result all Brewster students were able to receive free breakfast and lunch… Making meals universal for students across New York state scales and expands these efforts eliminating the need to qualify on a yearly basis using criteria that could shift unexpectedly. We thank Assemblyman Slater for championing this effort for all NYS students as we are all partners in fighting food insecurity for our students and within our community.”
Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante said that responsible spending like this brings people together: “The work that Assemblyman Slater has done for this program is exceptional; it is a reason I’m doing what I’m doing. Spending is out of control at the state level—this is what I consider responsible spending and it brings people together in health and happiness.”
Mahopac School Board member Tanner McCracken pointed out previous gaps under old funding formulas: “No child should ever attend school hungry… Under the previous state budget Mahopac Central School District missed threshold to qualify… Along with parents…we advocated for universal school meals…We are beyond thankful…for delivering this funding…”
Frank Miele Acting Superintendent at Mahopac Central School District added: “This investment by the state sends a powerful message about importance of meeting students’ basic needs so they can thrive academically socially… By removing barriers… ensuring every child… ready learn.”
