The recently passed NYS 2026 budget includes funding for the new “Universal School Meals” program that will provide free meals to ALL students in both public and private schools, regardless of income level.
What this means for your school:
Schools previously reimbursed for only some students will now be reimbursed for all.
Schools previously ineligible or unable to participate in the National School Lunch Program can now join more easily.
Many schools operating as Recipient Agencies under other schools may now be able to operate independently.
Important Requirements:
Schools must still collect student income information.
Schools must select which federal program under which to operate. This will determine the amount of funding the federal government will provide and the amount that will come from NYS.
All program compliance requirements still apply, including:
Menu standards
Procurement procedures
Documentation requirements
Production records
Meal counting/ serving protocols
Claiming procedures
The application deadline is July 31, 2025.
Register here for the NYSED webinar on June 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm. For assistance from the Office of Child Nutrition, call 518-473-8781 or email your CN representative.