Editor’s note: Unfortunately, New Yorkers will feel the brunt of the Medicaid cuts, where those who previously qualified for free healthcare plans (for themselves and their kids)  will no longer qualify, as the Essential Plan was discontinued.  Readers can learn more about the SNAP cuts in the OBBBA, which have also had the effect of removing 700,000 children from SNAP and increasing food insecurity among the most vulnerable communities. 

Governor Hochul Protects New York’s Free School Meals From Trump’s Cruel Cuts to Food Assistance

Other States Reported Declines in Free School Meals Following Federal SNAP Cuts and Changes – But New York’s Fully Funded Program Ensures Our Kids Won’t Lose Access

Schools Across New York Serve Approx. 2.5 Million Free School Meals Per Day – With a Total of Approx. 75 Million Free Meals Served So Far This School Year

Families Statewide Will Keep Saving Up to $1,600 Per Child Per Year on Groceries Thanks to Governor’s Action to Fully Fund Free School Meals

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State will continue to fully fund its universal free school meals program despite President Trump’s nationwide cuts to federal food assistance programs. By ensuring New York’s program remains fully funded, Governor Hochul is protecting approximately 2.5 million free school meals per school day for kids across the state – and helping their families save up to $1,600 per child per year on groceries.

This past week, new reports revealed other states across the nation are now facing declines in free school meal participation due to the impacts of federal cuts and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are leading to Americans, including families with children, losing SNAP as a result of the Republican-led HR 1 bill that was passed last year and enacted by President Trump. However, those troubling impacts will not prevent New York schools from accessing the funds needed to continue providing free school meals. By continuing to fully fund the universal meals program that she launched last year, Governor Hochul is protecting millions of kids and their families from losing access to the free school meals they rely on.

“It’s shameful that President Trump and Washington Republicans are trying to take free school meals away from our kids – and that’s why I took action to ensure kids across New York won’t lose access to the free school meals they rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “While Trump keeps finding new ways to raise costs for hardworking families, I’ll never stop fighting to protect our kids and help New Yorkers keep more money in their pockets.”

New York’s universal free school meals program was enacted by Governor Hochul last year and ensures that 2.7 million students across the state have access to free school breakfast and lunch. That law requires all school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students regardless of their families’ income.

This year, Governor Hochul fought for and secured a $395 million statewide investment in universal free school meals as part of New York State’s FY27 Enacted Budget – representing an increase of $55 million above the previous fiscal year. Due to this increased State funding and Governor Hochul’s commitment to continue fully funding the program, the federal government’s cuts to food assistance will not result in any New York schools receiving less funding for free meals – ensuring that no New York student would lose access.

With approximately 2.5 million free meals served per school day, State officials estimate that schools across New York have already served approximately 75 million free school meals since the current school year started in September. Free school meals are estimated to help families save up to $1,600 per child per year on grocery costs.

Children whose households participate in SNAP and Medicaid are directly certified for free school meals. Those who are not enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid can still apply for the program. For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the program, families are encouraged to visit https://www.cn.nysed.gov.

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Universal free school meals is an issue I care deeply about, and I fought to make this legislation a reality because no child should go hungry and no family should have to struggle to put food on the table. As a mother, I know how important it is to make sure our children have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. I am proud that we fought for and won universal free school meals in New York, and I applaud Governor Hochul for fully funding the program and protecting it from the Trump administration’s cruel cuts to food assistance. At a time when families are being squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, this investment puts money back in parents’ pockets and ensures millions of children can count on a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school. Feeding our children is a responsibility we all share, and I will never stop fighting to make sure no child is left behind.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Across New York, our Universal School Meals program is succeeding at fighting child hunger and helping students learn and thrive without stigma or shame, while saving families money each week on groceries. We have to take every action to protect New Yorkers from the food insecurity created by the Trump administration, and I thank Governor Hochul for standing with us to ensure every student continues to have access to free breakfast and lunch during their school day.”

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Governor Hochul Awards More Than $1.6 Million in Funding to Communities Across Staten Island

$500,000 State Grant To Advance Improvements to Playing Fields and Other Facilities at Snug Harbor Little League

$1 Million Awarded to Stapleton Senior Center To Expand Vital Services for Older Adults

$150,000 Grant To Assist With Operating Costs for Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $1.6 million in State funding to support three projects that will expand access to educational and recreational programming on Staten Island. A $500,000 grant was awarded to Snug Harbor Little League to make improvements to playing fields and other on-site facilities. A $1 million grant was awarded to Stapleton Senior Center to expand vital services for older adults. Additionally, a $150,000 grant was awarded to Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 to assist with operating costs.

“Staten Island is a community full of such rich history and many opportunities for our older New Yorkers and also our young people,” Governor Hochul said. “The State’s $1.6 million investment in Staten Island will allow for residents of all ages to have access to additional services to keep them safe and healthy and also allow them to spend time with others in the community.”

Improvements to Snug Harbor Little League Facilities

Snug Harbor Little League was established in 1964 on the North Shore of Staten Island within a strong and amicable West Brighton community. The league has been an integral part of the neighborhood and has been serving the community with programs for both boys and girls ever since. The $500,000 grant administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will allow Snug Harbor Little League to make necessary improvements to playing fields and other facilities on-site.

Investing in the Stapleton Senior Center

The Stapleton Senior Center has served older adults in NYC since 1929. It provides a range of services, including educational programming, recreational activities, meal services, health management support, transportation assistance and more. These services are vital in helping older adults maintain independence and remain connected to their community. The $1 million grant administered by DASNY will support necessary facility upgrades and repairs, ensuring the sustainable operation of the senior center.

Assisting Our Volunteer Firefighters

The Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 is the oldest volunteer fire company operating in the City of New York. The Fire Company is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year. As part of Governor Hochul’s FY27 Enacted Budget, Oceanic Hook & Ladder will receive $150,000 in funding administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) to assist with the operating costs of the fire house.

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in Staten organizations that support our community. From giving children and families a place to build community and create lasting memories at Snug Harbor Little League, to ensuring our seniors have a welcoming space to socialize and access important resources at the Stapleton Older Adult Center, these investments make a meaningful difference. A $150,000 grant to Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Co. No. 1 will also help cover operating costs and ensure our volunteer firefighters have the resources they need to continue protecting and serving our community.”

Assemblymember Charles D. Fall said, “For families across Staten Island, investments like these make a difference in everyday life. This $1.65 million investment means better fields for our kids, stronger services for our seniors, and support for volunteer firefighters who have answered the call for generations. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership and proud to keep working together to deliver for Staten Island.”

Banner Image: Governor Hochul Signs Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Kids From AI Chatbots and to Ensure Baby Monitor Safety. Image Credit – Gov Hochul