The Peru Gazette

Gov. Hochul News Release, Dec. 12, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted that schools across New York State have served more than 150 million free meals since the start of the school year in September, following implementation of the Governor’s Universal School Meals law. Now that State law ensures all New York students have access to free breakfast and lunch, schools across the state are serving more than 2.5 million free meals per school day. Free school meals are estimated to save families $165 per child in grocery spending each month and have been shown to support learning, boost test scores, and improve attendance and classroom behavior. With approximately 2.7 million students in New York State, universal school meals can help families statewide save up to $450 million per month on grocery costs.

“Universal Free School Meals are putting money back in families’ pockets and guaranteeing every student the nourishment they need to thrive, no questions asked,” Governor Hochul said. “No kid should go hungry in the classroom, and no parent should have to stretch their budget to pack a lunch. With 150 million meals now served to our students, we’re fighting for New York kids and making New York more affordable.”

Governor Hochul’s Universal School Meals law, which she signed in May, ensures that every student in New York State has access to a healthy breakfast and lunch at school. By eliminating any financial requirements to receive this benefit, New York State has also leveled the playing field and given parents back the money they would be spending.

The law enacted by the Governor included $340 million for Universal Free School Meals, allowing all students in participating schools to eat breakfast and lunch at no charge regardless of their families’ income. The Governor’s initiative requires all school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students regardless of their families’ income, thereby reducing costs for families and ensuring that no student goes hungry at school. Under this initiative, the State now covers the student’s share of costs for all meals served to students not already receiving free meals.