Mahopac students will get free meals this school year

MAHOPAC, N.Y. — Mahopac Central School District (MCSD) will provide universal free breakfast and lunch to all students beginning with the 2025-26 school year, thanks to funding included in the New York State budget.

This means that every Mahopac student, regardless of household income, will have access to nutritious meals each school day at no cost.

Acting School Superintendent Frank Miele said that healthy meals are “essential to learning, focus, and overall success, and this program ensures that every child can start the day ready to thrive.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to student health and well-being, we are also taking steps to improve the quality of food we serve,” Miele said in a prepared statement. “With the start of the new school year, the district will prohibit the use of synthetic dyes in all foods offered in our schools. By combining universal free meals with cleaner, more wholesome ingredients, we aim to give students the nutrition they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

The superintendent said that each school will reach out to students with additional details about their specific universal free meals program.

“We will share more information as the school year approaches, including menus and any updates related to food service operations,” he said.

Parents with questions can contact the district’s Food Services Department at 845-628-3256, ext. 11890.

“I am grateful to the State for this investment in our children and proud to be part of a community that continues to put student health and well-being first,” Miele said.

Article courtesy of MCSD