Jackson Heights, Queens – Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-34) culminated a four neighborhood tour of backpack giveaways and resource fairs just before the start of the new school year, giving away 1,000 backpacks and school supplies in partnership with The Hispanic Federation, Carpenters Contractor Alliance (CCA) Metro, and MetroHealth Plus. On the tour, she was joined by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shekar Krishnan, teams from State Senators Michael Gianaris and Ramos, as well as U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. González-Rojas’ office distributed backpacks and shared resources in Jackson Heights, Woodside, Astoria, and Corona.

“This time of year is always a great time to encourage and energize our returning students and staff. It’s also a critical time to equip families with the resources they need to be successful in the school year,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. “So I’m excited to provide our families with backpacks and school supplies but one of the major needs we have to address this year is child hunger. This is a human rights issue, not a question of who deserves what. You can’t teach a hungry child. My Universal School Meals Act will ensure that every child in New York is properly nourished so they can be successful in school and therefore be successful in life. This is our job and we have to get it done and fully fund the initiative next year.

“With the school year about to kick off, the need for school supplies continues for many families,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I am proud to work with elected colleagues and the community to make sure our students are starting off the school year on the right foot.”

After securing $135 million in 2023 and $145 million in 2024 respectively to expand school meals to more students, González-Rojas, alongside other lawmakers and advocates are urging the Governor and legislative leaders to prioritize ending student hunger in schools in the coming state budget cycle. The Universal School Meals Act, which will guarantee all children in New York state breakfast and lunch during school at no cost, no matter their family’s income.

Despite the recent $145 million allocation in the state budget to expand free school meals, an estimated 320,000 students across New York still lack access to free school breakfast and lunch. More than 650 schools are unable to offer universal school meals at no cost. In those schools, up to 24% – nearly 1 in 4 – of their students may be from low-income households. These schools are largely in suburban communities, including on Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Western New York where families are struggling as already high costs of living continue to rise.