Hudson Valley Schools Give Free Lunches to All

For the last month, 5,000 meals are prepared and served to every Poughkeepsie City School District student who wanted one. It is part of a new federal program funding breakfast and lunch for every student is that district regardless of family income.

District Food Services Director Al Muhlnickel said they are preparing a wide array of delicious meals that the kids are enjoying.

“They have six or seven options: freshly made deli sandwiches, pizza, beautiful salads,” he said. “Even in the elementary schools, 55 salads out of 450, so 12 percent of the children are taking salads, which is pretty good, I thought.”

Muhlnickel said he expects the federal program to last another four years.

The district qualified because of large number of families that qualify for the meals based on their income levels.