The Hendrick Hudson Central School District will expand universal school meals to include Hendrick Hudson High School this fall, district officials announced at the July 23 board meeting. The change will extend free breakfast and lunch to all students in grades K–12.

Superintendent (unnamed) said the expansion follows funding provided in the 2025–26 New York State budget and means no applications will be required for students to receive free meals. Meals must continue to meet federal nutrition standards; administrators said popular items such as paninis and cold cut sandwiches will remain available where they meet program rules, but some menu items (for example, salami) will be removed because they do not meet updated standards. The superintendent said the district expects to make “some modifications” to menus to remain compliant.

Because the district must meet program requirements, administrators told the board they will rebid the district food service contract and recommended that the supervisory position currently overseeing food service be included in the new contract. The district plans community engagement — including a student town hall on Aug. 13, a student government meeting on Aug. 21 and a community “thought exchange” — to gather input about the transition. Officials said they have had at least one small in‑person meeting already and will offer a virtual option for the student town hall.

The superintendent said the district will work with its food service director and consultant to ensure a high quality menu under the new federal model and noted that the rebid and contract changes are intended to align staffing and operations with universal meal requirements.

No vote or formal contract award was taken July 23; administrators said rebidding work is underway. The district said it will communicate menu changes, engagement opportunities and operational details to families ahead of school opening.