Senator Gillibrand pushes for free meals for all students

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Food for thought. It's important for a healthy mind, but too many schoolkids are lacking the means to pay for their meals.

Senator Kirstin Gillibrand wants to change that. She's pushing for Congress to pass a bill that would provide free school meals to all kids whether or not they have the financial ability.

She said it's important to act immediately, "When school begins September 5th, a reminder that we must have the universal school meals program act. We have to do all in our power to get kids what they need to thrive and to grow."

Noting that schools play an important role in combating child hunger, Senator Gillibrand said her bill would end the requirement that students provide proof that they can't afford to pay for their school meals.

"Legislation would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to children," she said, "No matter where they live and regardless of a family's ability to pay."

Gillibrand introduced her bill a year ago, but there's been no action because it remains tied up in a House committee.

New York Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas declared, "We cannot teach a hungry child."
That was the message speakers conveyed at M400 High School for Environmental Studies as Senator Gillibrand highlighted the benefits of the free meal program.

"Free meals allow kids to do better in school, there's a better attendance rate, better health, and fewer behavior incidents," she said.

While the senator pushes for legislation in Washington, the New York legislature has provided $134 million in this year's budget to provide free meals to 86% of school kids in the state. The bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Gonzalez Rojas, also a parent, hopes to expand the program.

She noted, "Many families across the state don't have the means to make ends meet, and knowing that children have a nutritious breakfast and lunch is such a relief to so many families

Senator Gillibrand's bill could benefit as many as 9 million school kids living in food-insecure households across the country. Her program would reduce the stigma of children being singled out as less fortunate. She's hopeful her bill will pass before the end of the year.