ADVOCACY ALERT:
HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL NY KIDS CAMPAIGN
Background
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At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, over 726,000 students at nearly 2,000 schools lost access to no-cost school meals.
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An estimated 1 in 7 New York children – disproportionately Black, Brown, Native, and rural – experience hunger and food insecurity.
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Despite New York State’s higher cost of living, a family of four making just $51,400 misses the cutoff for free or reduced price meals under the federal programs.
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In addition to the stigma and administrative burdens associated with the current schools meals program, New York children and their school districts incur an estimated $25M of school meal debt annually.
Policy Proposal
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Provide breakfast and lunch at no-cost for all students each school day
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Ensure school meals follow NSLP and SBP guidelines
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Cancel student meal debt for all New York students
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Maximize federal reimbursements by leveraging existing provisions
Help make universal school meals a reality by participating in the following campaigns:
SEND A LETTER
Send a direct message to state lawmakers urging them to fund free, healthy meals for all New York students. Send a message with just one click.
JOIN US FOR LOBBY DAY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023
Please join Food Bank partner agencies statewide comprising the Feeding New York State Coalition as part of the Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids (HSMFA NY) campaign to work to make universal free school meals a reality for all New York children in the FY 2024 State Budget. Join us for a morning press event followed by meetings with legislators. Advocates are welcome to attend all or part of the day, as your availability allows. To register, go to: Registration: Healthy School Meals for All NY Lobby Day – Tuesday, January 10, 2023 (google.com)
