New York City public schools will now be offering lunch free of charge to all of its 1.1 million students this school year. According to the NYTimes, Chancellor Carmen Fariña confirmed the change, stating:
“This is about equity,” Fariña said. “All communities matter.”
In making this move, New York joins other major cities including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas. The city has a high poverty rate and roughly 75 percent of all students already qualified for free or reduced-price lunches, but the new free lunch policy will save many families up to $300 a month.
“Free School Lunch for All will provide financial relief to families and ensure all students are receiving nutritious meals so that they can succeed in the classroom and beyond,” Chancellor Farina said.
Free lunch should be available in every school across the country. No child should ever have to go hungry. We’re hoping many other cities follow New York’s lead!
