Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Hudson Valley Public School Students This Fall

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As students across the Hudson Valley prepare to head back to school next month, parents can breathe a sigh of relief: every public school student will now receive free breakfast and lunch, thanks to a major initiative included in New York State’s 2026 budget.

The universal free school meals program is expected to benefit more than 2.7 million students statewide, eliminating the need for applications or income verification. Every student enrolled in a public school is automatically eligible to receive two free meals each school day.

A Win for Families and Academic Success

Governor Kathy Hochul praised the program, emphasizing both its social and educational impact.

“The program aims to ensure every student has access to nutritious meals, contributing to better academic performance and overall well-being,” Hochul said.

The initiative is also expected to ease financial pressure on families. Officials estimate the plan could save families approximately $165 per child per month in grocery costs.

Local Districts Spread the Word

In Putnam County, school officials are actively informing families about the new benefit. Patrick Rodia, Director of Food Services for the Carmel Central School District, emphasized that all students will now dine for free during the upcoming academic year.

Families who have questions or need more information are encouraged to reach out directly to their local school district’s food services department:

Brewster: 845-279-8000
Carmel: 845-878-2094
Mahopac: 845-628-3415
Putnam Valley: 845-528-8143
Haldane: 845-265-9254
Garrison: 845-424-3689

Fighting Food Insecurity Statewide

The move comes as part of New York’s broader effort to address childhood hunger and food insecurity, issues that were intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing reliable access to nutritious meals at school, the state aims to create a healthier and more equitable learning environment for all students.

The program also removes the stigma some students may feel when receiving free or reduced-price meals, creating a more inclusive and supportive school culture.

For parents across the Hudson Valley, this new policy represents one less thing to worry about as the school year begins — and one big step toward better student health and success.