Food Fight: Advocacy in Action for Healthy School Meals For All
On January 29th, our Research Associates, Gitit and Oliver, teamed up with the Healthy School Meals For All (HSMFA) coalition for a day of impactful advocacy. Led by Community Food Advocates and Hunger Solutions NY, the day commenced with a dynamic press event at the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol Building which was spearheaded by Senator Hinchey and featured powerful speeches from 16 legislators and partners who champion the cause of HSMFA.
Following the press event, the team conducted over 40 meetings and 82 drop-ins with legislators and their offices. Gitit and Oliver had productive discussions with representatives from the offices of Senator Persaud (District 19), Senator Martinez (District 4), Senator Ryan (District 61), Assemblymember Gandolfo (District 7), and Assemblymember Stern (District 10). As a direct outcome of this advocacy effort, there has been a surge in support, with new sign-ons to the Assembly bill (A1941) and Assembly budget letter endorsements.
Why are Health School Meals For All so critical?
School meals are widely recognized as some of the healthiest meals served in America, helping children across all income levels increase their intake of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Participating in school meals also correlates with enhanced academic performance, improved mental well-being for children, and significant financial relief for families, saving them an average of $150 per child each month on groceries.
While the FY2024 budget allocated a commendable $134.6 million investment in school meals, providing access to over 347,000 students, it is evident that many students are still underserved. After including new federal changes to allow additional flexibility in the level of economic need, the passage of a bipartisan state bill advocating for universal school meals for all of New York State would significantly broaden access, benefiting over 320,000 children across 650 schools. Currently, eligibility for free school meals hinges on Community Eligibility Provisions (CEP), which are tied to SNAP and Medicaid participation, rendering many New York schools ineligible despite having a high population of low-income students. Shockingly, 1 in 5 students from these underserved schools are deemed economically disadvantaged. To bridge this gap, the coalition advocates for an additional $90 million in the state budget.
For many children in NY, school meals provide the many nutrients they need for development that they would otherwise not have access to. At the Tisch Food Center, we believe Healthy Schools Meals are necessary for every child in New York State to promote healthy eating and living, food equity, and to make food and nutrition education accessible and relevant to all students.
You can support the push for Healthy School Meals for All in NY by joining the coalition, telling your lawmaker or spreading the word through social media. Use this form to send a letter to Governor Hochul and your elected official!