Eastchester board approves consent agenda that includes administration—9s recommendation on state—9s universal free school meals program

The Eastchester Union Free School District Board of Education on Monday reviewed a time-sensitive recommendation to participate in New York State—9s new universal free school meals program and approved a consent agenda that included four business office recommendations related to the item.

Superintendent (Dr. B) told the board the district must move quickly to decide whether to join the program created under the governor—9s FY2026 budget and described the logistics, vendor arrangements and potential timeline for implementation. The superintendent said the change stems from a state law identified during the presentation as "Section 915(a) universal free school meals," which would make a free breakfast and lunch available to all school-aged children in the state for the 2025-26 school year and allow district reimbursement for meals served.

The superintendent said the district surveyed families and received 919 responses out of about 3,000 students. According to the survey, 86.7% of respondents said their children were "likely" or "very likely" to take part if the district joined the program. Of those respondents, 57.8% indicated children would take a free lunch five days a week; 27.2% said three to four days a week; and 15.1% said one to two days a week. For secondary schools, 36.1% of respondents said students would take a…