Governor Hochul: serve over 150M free meals since September

Courtney Cortright

December 12, 2025

School Lunches

Originally published in WGRZ on December 12, 2025 .

According to the Governor’s Office, schools statewide are now providing more than 2.5 million breakfasts and lunches per day.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State schools have served more than 150 million meals since the start of the school year, following implementation of the state’s new Universal School Meals law. That's according to Governor Kathy Hochul.

According to the Governor’s Office, schools statewide are now providing more than 2.5 million breakfasts and lunches per day. The program ensures all students have access to meals regardless of family income.

“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.”

State officials estimate that school meals, given to districts, support by taxpayer dollars, saves families approximately $165 per child each month in grocery costs. With the state’s 2.7 million students, the total monthly savings for families statewide could be as high as $450 million.

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “We know that students cannot fully engage in learning when their basic needs are not met. Ensuring access to healthy, reliable meals is essential to both their well-being and their academic success. New York’s free school meals program is a critical investment that helps level the playing field, allowing every child to focus on learning, not hunger. The Department is proud to administer this program and remains deeply committed to working with BOCES, districts, and schools statewide to ensure every student has the nutrition and support they need to thrive.”

The Universal School Meals law, signed in May, included $340 million to fund meals for all students in participating public, charter, and nonpublic schools that take part in the national school lunch and breakfast programs. Under the law, the state covers the student share of meal costs for those who would not otherwise qualify.

The New York State Education Department is responsible for administering the program.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am so pleased that, thanks to New York State’s strong commitment to expanding access to school meals, more than 150 million nutritious meals have been served since the start of the school year across our state, with 2.5 million provided to students per school day. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am proud that New York continues to put children first and through free breakfast and lunch available to every student, our kids are able to focus on learning without fear of hunger or social exclusion. For many families I represent, and across the state, rising costs and reduced federal support have placed real strain on households. Free breakfast and lunch eases the burden for families while ensuring students have food, and the social interaction with their peers that they need to focus on their school work. I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and my Senate and Assembly colleagues who pushed so hard to make sure every child in New York has access to healthy breakfast and lunch regardless of family income.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Universal School Meals has delivered immediate benefits for students and families across New York, and I’m deeply proud to champion a public good that’s succeeding twofold in tackling child hunger while providing weekly savings on grocery costs for parents. Few initiatives offer affordability and impact at this scale for families in every region of the state simultaneously. Universal School Meals is a remarkable program, and we were thrilled to bring it to New York this year with the support of parents, teachers, advocates, and the Governor.”

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “In New York, our children come first, and achieving Universal School Meals is an extraordinary victory. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Hinchey, Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and a broad coalition of advocates, unions, parents, and community leaders to make it happen. Since September, schools have served more than 150 million free meals — now 2.5 million every day — saving families about $165 per child each month and helping students learn, focus, and thrive. For families in Queens, one of the most culturally diverse communities in the country, this brings real relief. At a time when education and social services are under attack, New York is choosing to invest in our kids, remove stigma, and ensure no child goes hungry in the classroom. This is what happens when we put families first. We got it done, and our children are better for it.”