In a collaborative effort to combat childhood hunger in the Bronx, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and New York City Council Member Kevin Riley recently joined Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and No Kid Hungry New York to deliver free summer meals at Haffen Park.
The event, held on July 16, highlighted a significant initiative from NYC Public Schools designed to provide nourishing meals to city children during the summer months. The program utilizes food trucks to distribute free breakfast and lunch on a daily basis, ensuring that young New Yorkers do not go hungry when school is out of session.
Aviles-Ramos emphasized the importance of this program, stating that it guarantees access to meals for children during the summer. She noted the commitment of New York City Public Schools to support students and young people throughout its five boroughs.
“None of this work would be possible without our outstanding food service workers, and I am so grateful for their dedication to nourishing our kids,” Aviles-Ramos remarked.
The summer meals initiative, along with the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, were showcased as vital food assistance resources by No Kid Hungry, Aviles-Ramos, and local Bronx leaders. These programs are essential during the summer when many children and families lose critical low-cost and free meal options typically provided by schools.
Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York, shared her perspective on the significance of these programs: “Summer should be the time of year when kids get to enjoy being kids – without stressing about where their next meal will come from.”
She added that providing free, healthy meal options not only helps children but also alleviates concerns for parents and caregivers, allowing families to focus on enjoying the season rather than worrying about food security.
The Free Summer Meals program delivers meals at no cost to those 18 years of age or younger across New York City, with sites available in schools, parks, and community centers as well as through the food trucks.
Additionally, the Summer EBT program provides eligible families with a one-time installment of $120 per child on their EBT cards, helping to cover the cost of groceries and other essentials. This initiative, which marks its second year in 2025, is set to allocate around $250 million in benefits to more than 2 million children across New York State.
Families interested in learning more about the Summer EBT program can visit the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website for further details.
Heastie expressed his views on the necessity of year-round access to nutritious meals, stating, “During the summer months when school is no longer in session, many children are left at risk of hunger, as school lunches became their lifeline.”
He underscored that programs like Free Summer Meals through NYC Schools and the Summer EBT initiative are critical for ensuring child health and well-being, enhancing the potential of families city-wide.
Bailey highlighted the struggles of families in the Bronx, noting that many children heavily rely on school-provided meals. He remarked on the importance of the Summer EBT program and the summer meals initiative as crucial lifelines for nutrition, ensuring children remain healthy and prepared for learning once school reopens.
“Ensuring no child goes hungry isn’t just a priority—it’s our moral obligation to the next generation,” Bailey stated.
Riley also pointed out that for numerous children in the Bronx and throughout New York City, school meals often serve as their primary source of nutrition. He stressed that this need persists even when the school year ends, making the NYC Public Schools’ summer meals program vital in providing accessible and healthy meals at various locations.
“I’m proud to support a program that meets families where they are and ensures no child in our city goes hungry during the summer months,” Riley said, affirming his commitment to tackling food insecurity among children.
Overall, the collaborative efforts from local leaders and organizations underline the shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of New York’s youth and ensuring access to nutritious meals during a critical time of the year.
image source from：bxtimes
