A group of schoolchildren staged a protest on Tuesday outside the New York State Capitol building by dumping empty lunch trays outside the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The students were demonstrating against Hochul's recent effort to block free school meals for all public school students in the state.
Although around 75 percent of New York City public school students currently receive free meals, lawmakers from both parties believe that more needs to be done.
Advocates of the proposal for free meals for all argue that approximately 726,000 children statewide are still struggling with hunger since federal funding for universal school meals expired in June 2022.
New York students rally for free meals
The New York Post reports that during a rally at the Capitol, Senate Agriculture Chair Michelle Hinchey emphasized the importance of making their proposal for universal school meals a top priority in the final days of budget negotiations.
She stressed that not only will it benefit New York State in the long run, but it is also a moral imperative that no child should go hungry.
If Governor Hochul agrees to the legislators' request to allocate $280 million in the state budget due on April 1, a comprehensive state-level program could be implemented to address this critical issue.
At another event, State Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas pointed out the disconnect between Governor Hochul's initial call for a more affordable, livable, and safe New York at the beginning of the budget process.
She also noted the recent pleas from families across the state, including in Long Island, Buffalo, and Westchester, for the government to provide free meals to public school students.
The community calls for immediate action to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals daily.
Free school meals in New York
According to WKBW, stories of food insecurity among students were shared during a "Universal Meals Rally" held at Springville Elementary.
This event was attended by Western New York educators and local leaders who are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to approve a budget of $280 million to ensure that every student across the state is provided with breakfast and lunch.
At the state capitol on Monday, Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas gathered with other lawmakers, education advocates, anti-hunger activists, and nutrition supporters to urge for the inclusion of funding for universal free meals in the state's fiscal year 2024 budget.
As per the Food Service Director, the aim is to provide at least two nutritious meals to support young kids' health, learning, and development in school.
Sen. Hinchey said they are working towards making "Healthy Meals for All" a state priority.
This means that every student in New York will be guaranteed free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of where they live or their family's ability to pay.
Several states, including Nevada, have already expanded universal free meal access in their states for at least the current school year.
Lawmakers in South Carolina, Nebraska, and Missouri recently introduced legislation to bring universally free meals to students in their respective states. Additionally, California, Colorado, and Connecticut have implemented new laws providing free food to any students who want it.
Last May, a universal free meal bill was introduced in New York but failed to pass. However, advocates continue to push for this initiative, as they believe it is necessary to address the issue of food insecurity among students.
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