State lawmakers, teachers union urge schools to opt-in for free meals program

State lawmakers and the New York State United Teachers are encouraging qualifying New York school districts to opt into the Community Eligibility Provision by August 31.

This program, funded by $135 million from the state budget, provides free meals to students regardless of their family’s income. The budget allocation follows a similar federal initiative during the early years of the COVID pandemic.

Advocates for the expansion of free school meals, highlighted the potential benefits for families, who could save hundreds of dollars in grocery expenses.

Lawmakers previously estimated that about 81% of New York students would benefit from the program.