BUFFALO, NY - Governor Cuomo announced a new initiative Tuesday in the hopes of giving low-income students greater access to farm-fresh foods and school meals.
It's called the "No Student Goes Hungry" program, and the idea is to support high poverty areas by funding breakfast programs, farm-fresh food in schools, and more, around the State.
One key of the program, the Cuomo administration says, is making breakfast accessible even after the school day starts. Typically, schools only offered breakfast to students before the day had begun and buses arrived, which left many students without an opportunity to grab breakfast.
Niagara Falls Supt. Mark Laurrie says "Breakfast after the bell...that's what they're calling it and that means that no matter what time a child enters school, we have to provide them with a nutritious well balanced meal right up until the first lunch period. So even...and we don't want students coming in tardy or late..but even if they do we have a system so that they can grab something to eat and then get to class."
New York State will be providing schools with $7 million in funding to make breakfast after the bell possible, by helping pay for things like refrigerators, coolers, and breakfast kiosks.
$1.5 million in funding has also been designated for expanding the Farm-to-School program, to help schools get more locally grown food, as well as improve student health and teach them about agriculture. The Buffalo Public Schools District takes part and the Niagara Falls District wants it to grow moreso. Supt. Laurrie adds "After breakfast is over and before or right after lunch - a fruit and vegetable cart will circulate throughout the school and allow children to get those fruits and vegetables."
"A well-rounded meal can make all the difference in a child's life, providing the focus and energy they need for a productive school day," says Governor Cuomo. "No child should never have to wonder where their next meal will come from, making the No Student Goes Hungry program critical to helping students across New York reach their full potential each day."
"This initiative will expand the free breakfast program for low-income students and offer fruits and vegetables from local farms -- because no student should be hungry in school," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says.
Cuomo's administration notes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child hunger is often associated with lower grades, higher rates of absenteeism, repeating a grade, and an inability to focus among students.
For more information you can visit New York State's website.