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Hinchey introduces bill for free school meals
Liz Montgomery reports for Porcupine Soup that State Senator Michelle Hinchey introduced her bill to permanently fund free breakfast and lunch for all New York school students at a rally at the state capitol on March 1. Hinchey, a Democrat from Saugerties, has introduced S1678A, to require all public school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools in the state that participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program as provided in the National Child Nutrition Act to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost. Hinchey wants Gov. Kathy Hochul to add $200 million to the state budget to fund the measure. Hinchey said, “Healthy food is a form of healthcare, and it's time for New York to be a leader in addressing child hunger in our schools.” New York City, Albany, Rochester, and Yonkers already offer universal free school meals. Read more about this story at Porcupine Soup.