Relates to establishing school-based food pantries in schools in the city school district of the city of New York

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jamaal Bailey says this is needed

Hunger and food insecurity remain persistent barriers to learning for thousands of children in the city school district of the city of New York. Many families struggle to afford enough nutritious food throughout the week, and for some students, meals served in school are among the most reliable sources of daily nutrition. When children arrive at school hungry or go home to food-insecure households, they are more likely to experience difficulty concentrating, disruptive behavior, chronic absen- teeism, and lower academic performance. These challenges disproportion- ately affect students in communities with the highest levels of poverty and housing instability. School-based food pantries provide a practical, dignified, and effective strategy to address these gaps. By making nutritious food available for students and their families to take home, school-based pantries help stabilize household food supplies, support consistent attendance, and complement existing school meal programs. Locating pantries directly in high-need schools reduces transportation and scheduling barriers, and allows trusted educators, staff, and parents to play a direct role in outreach and distribution. This bill recognizes that many school communities are eager to respond to student hunger but lack resources, training, or guidance. By requir- ing the chancellor to operate pantries at least twice per week during the school week, and partner with experienced local food pantries and food banks for training and technical assistance, the bill establishes a clear framework for effective and sustainable implementation. The volun- teer-based model allows school staff, parents, guardians, and community members to support students directly while respecting existing labor protections and avoiding unfunded staffing mandates. Ensuring that children have access to adequate, nutritious food is a foundational investment in their academic success, health, and long-term life chances. By combining school-based leadership, community partner- ship, and a dedicated funding stream, this bill offers a targeted and highly impactful response to child hunger in New York City's schools.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.