New York Senator Gillibrand Announces Legislation for Free Meals to All Schoolchildren

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called for the passage of the Universal School Meals Program Act on Thursday, aiming to provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all school-age children regardless of income.

If passed, the Universal School Meals Program Act would expand access to free meals to every school child at any rate. It would eliminate the application process – which is often described as burdensome – and even extend into the summer whilst putting an end to school meal debt. This, in turn, would mean an increased rate of reimbursements for schools that participate in New York’s food and nutrition programs, which would accurately reflect the real cost of providing free meals.

“In the richest country on earth, it is unacceptable that millions of kids go hungry each day,” said Gillibrand during her video press conference. “This bill would make our families and communities healthier and stronger, keep kids in school, and work to fight the stigma too often associated with meal programs.

Gillibrand, who also spearheads bipartisan legislation like the MODERN WIC Act and the Summer Meals Act, has long advocated for healthier solutions for children. She looks to put an end to overly-burdensome application practices, as well as the stigma that comes with partaking in these meal programs, so that every child may get the food they need.