New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul announced that schools across New York State have served more than 150 million free meals to students since the start of the school year in September, following the implementation of the state’s Universal School Meals law.

The law guarantees all New York students access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of household income. State officials say schools are now serving more than 2.5 million free meals per school day statewide.

According to the Governor’s office, free school meals are estimated to save families $165 per child per month in grocery costs. With approximately 2.7 million students enrolled statewide, universal school meals could help families save up to $450 million per month.

Governor Hochul said,

Universal Free School Meals are putting money back in families’ pockets and guaranteeing every student the nourishment they need to thrive, no questions asked. 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 say the program also supports student success, citing research showing access to regular meals can improve learning outcomes, test scores, attendance, and classroom behavior, while reducing stigma tied to income-based meal programs.

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa emphasized the connection between nutrition and academic performance. 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.

State lawmakers also praised the program’s impact on families facing rising costs.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, said the initiative is helping students succeed while easing financial pressure on households. 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 called the program a rare example of affordability and impact working together. 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 the program reflects a commitment to putting children first. 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.

State officials say the Universal School Meals program will continue throughout the school year, ensuring all students have consistent access to nutritious meals at school.