Governor Kathy Hochul marked the first week of the 2025–26 academic year with a major milestone: the statewide rollout of New York’s Universal School Meals Program. Speaking at Manorhaven Elementary School on Long Island, Hochul emphasized her commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting families through bold affordability measures.

The new initiative guarantees free breakfast and lunch for all 2.7 million public school students in New York, saving families an average of $165 per child each month. “No child should be hungry in school,” Hochul declared, “and no parent should have to choose between groceries and education.”

In a parallel move to safeguard public health, the Governor signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines for the next 30 days responding to federal uncertainty around vaccine access.

From nutrition to health equity, Hochul’s agenda continues to position New York as a national leader in family first policy.