Universal free school meals bill introduced in New York

A bill has been introduced in New York that would provide universal free school breakfast and lunch to students in the state.

Under S.9114, the state would pay the difference between the amount of federal funding it receives for school meals from the United States Department of Agriculture and the cost to provide the meals. In order to maximize the amount of federal funding the state receives, the measure would also require schools to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision if eligible.

The bill has been referred to New York's Committee on Education. It would go into effect this July if signed into law.

Other states, including Colorado, Massachusetts and Vermont, also recently introduced legislation to provide school meals to students at no cost.