275 million free school lunches served in New York State during the past six months
Saving New York Families Up to $450 Million Per Month on Grocery Costs
Albany, March 4, 2026 – During National School Breakfast Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted that within just the first six months of the school year, 275 million free school meals have been served in schools statewide. The Governor celebrated this milestone today alongside students and administrators at Albany School of Humanities.
Governor Hochul’s Universal School Meals Program, launched earlier this year, ensures that every student in New York State has access to a healthy breakfast and lunch at school, creating more opportunities for students to succeed in school. By eliminating any financial requirements to receive this benefit, New York State has leveled the playing field by taking the burden off of families.
“Today marks a major milestone in our overall affordability agenda, ensuring that New York students are not going hungry while they’re at school,” Governor Hochul said. “Students do better in the classroom when they’re not worried about where their next meal is coming from. In just six months, more than 275 million free school meals have been served – proof that New York is stepping up to support our children’s success while bringing down grocery costs for families statewide.”
In the first six months of the academic year, New York has:
- Delivered more than 275 million free school meals to New York students so far this school year
- Helped families statewide save up to $450 million per month on grocery costs
The FY26 Enacted Budget included $340 million for school meals, a $160 million year-to-year increase, requiring 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. Under this initiative, the State will pay the student’s share of costs for all meals served to students not already receiving free meals. This historic initiative expands eligibility to an additional 280,000 students who now have access to free school meals.
Posted: March 4th, 2026 under Education News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, State Legislator News, Statewide News.