Free school meals launched in New York City

All children in New York City public schools now have access to free school lunches. Last year 75% of students were eligible for free lunches. This year Free School Lunch for All will provide meals for over 200,000 students.

News Children's Food Campaign

Published: Saturday 21 October 2017

The meals will be funded through the US federal government’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This federal program allows school districts to provide meals free of charge to all enrolled students. The Free School Lunch for All initiative will benefit all families regardless of where they live or attend school.
 
“We know that students cannot learn or thrive in school if they are hungry all day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Free school lunch will not only ensure that every kid in New York City has the fuel they need to succeed but also further our goal of providing an excellent and equitable education for all students.”
 
Sustain’s Children’s Food Campaign is calling for the UK government to provide a similar scheme of universal free school meals in this country.

Sustain believes that the benefits of eating healthy school meals are sufficient to justify providing free school meals to every child as part of their education, just as stationery, computers and teachers are provided.

Children's Food Campaign: Campaigning for policy changes so that all children can easily eat sustainable and healthy food.

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