For the first time ever, No Kid Hungry New York proudly celebrated National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) with not one, but two major government bodies in New York State! The New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate each officially recognized NSBW and shined a spotlight on the vital role school breakfast plays in ensuring kids are fueled for success.
National School Breakfast Week is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the importance of school breakfast in helping students start their day ready to learn. School breakfast programs provide children with the nutrition they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
In 2024 alone, more than 152 million breakfast meals were served in New York State, reaching more than 876,000 students. By recognizing this special week, New York’s leaders demonstrated their commitment to ensuring every child has access to the healthy meals they need to succeed.
A Powerful Message from the New York State Assembly on School Breakfast
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz took the lead in the Assembly, introducing the resolution and passionately emphasizing the importance of school meals in her remarks. “School breakfast is more than just a meal. It is essential to combatting child hunger and enhancing academic success.” She also gave special recognition to Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas for her dedication to advocating for free school meals for all New York kids.
Assemblymember Cruz also shared, “Every child who goes to school […] should not be hungry. They should be able to learn and not be hungry. It is as simple as that.”
To see Assemblymember Cruz in action, check out the Assembly Session recording:
- Introduction to No Kid Hungry: Timestamp 10:16
- Introduction to the NSBW Resolution: Timestamp 19:16
The New York State Senate Hosts their School Breakfast Celebration
In the Senate, Senator Roxanne J. Persaud led the charge to champion NSBW, passionately speaking about the crucial role school breakfast programs play in helping students thrive. Her powerful words underscored the need to invest in programs that nourish kids and give them the best chance to succeed.
“Here in New York, 19% of children are food insecure. Think of that.” said Senator Persaud. “School-aged children who experience hunger are more likely to miss school, struggle academically, and face health challenges – something that should not be occurring in our state or our country,” she added.
As part of the official recognition, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed March 3-7, 2025, as School Breakfast Week in New York State. This powerful declaration emphasizes the state’s commitment to fighting childhood hunger and supporting school meal programs.
We also heard inspiring words from:
- Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, who emphasized the strong link between healthy meals and a child’s success in every aspect of their life.
- Senator Michelle Hinchey, who highlighted the incredible connection between local farms and school meal programs.
- Senator Dean Murray, who reflected on his own experience growing up on free and reduced-price meals and the impact they had on his family.
- Senator Peter Oberacker, who shared heartfelt words from his father about the importance of ensuring no child goes hungry.
Catch these inspiring remarks by watching the Senate Session recording:
- Senator Persaud’s Introduction of the Resolution: Timestamp 8:14
- Senator Bailey’s Remarks: Timestamp 10:45
- Senator Hinchey’s Remarks: Timestamp 12:20
- Senator Murray’s Remarks: Timestamp 13:50
- Senator Oberacker’s Remarks: Timestamp 14:44
You can also read the official Senate Resolution 391, which showcases the impressive bipartisan support for this important initiative. The resolution proudly states that Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed March 3-7, 2025, as School Breakfast Week in New York State — a meaningful step forward in ensuring school meals remain a top priority.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Champions
We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Cruz, Senator Persaud, and all the amazing legislators who stepped up in a bipartisan manner to celebrate National School Breakfast Week in New York. Their dedication to ensuring every child starts their day with a healthy breakfast is inspiring and invaluable.
By championing National School Breakfast Week, these leaders are helping to elevate the conversation about the power of school meals and their role in ending childhood hunger.
A huge THANK YOU to all our partners, advocates, and supporters who continue to fight for healthy school meals for every child in New York. Together, we’re making a difference — one breakfast at a time!