Senator calls for free school meals in state budget

With the state budget deadline a month away a local lawmaker is calling for the inclusion of free school meals in the final negotiated spending plan.

State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) is pushing for the change, which he says will improve academic performance and student discipline.  While free breakfast and lunch programs have been expanded to many districts throughout the region, four school districts in his Senate district, Minisink Valley, Goshen, Warwick Valley, and Cornwall, are still ineligible for this funding.

“Providing school meals is an investment in our children and our communities,” said Skoufis.  “Having one less thing to think about at the start of the day can be a game changer for caregivers struggling to get kids out the door or keep meals on their tables.”

Brian Monahan, Superintendent of the Minisink Valley School District in Slate Hill said his district is supporting free breakfast and lunch with local funds but urged the state to adopt the universal meals plan.  He doesn’t believe they will be able to support the program locally without help from the state.