Join host Patrick Keneally, School Lunch Director for Capital Region BOCES and Public Policy Chair for NYSNA, as he welcomes Eric Bush from Saratoga Springs School District and Naeem Walcott from West Hampton Beach School District.

This episode dives into the challenges and innovations in school nutrition, particularly focusing on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and its impact on schools. Discussions include Saratoga Springs’ unique approach to funding free meals for students and the increase in meal participation and satisfaction as a result. The episode also highlights the importance of equitable access to nutritious food for all students, the administrative burdens of current systems, and the need for sustainable funding models to ensure no child is left hungry.

Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of school nutrition programs, the successes of districts embracing universal free meals, and the ongoing challenges in ensuring every student has access to healthy food. Tune in to understand why “everyone wins when everyone eats” and how advocating for universal healthy school meals is vital for the well-being of students across New York.