Free lunch announced for all students at all NYC public schools

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Free lunch will be offered to all students at New York City public schools, the district announced Wednesday.

Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said the "Free School Lunch for All" program will provide an additional 200,000 students with free lunch. Last year, 75 percent of students were eligible for free lunch.

The district said it is now eligible to receive the highest reimbursement from the federal government through Community Eligibility Provision, making this new program possible.

"We know that students cannot learn or thrive in school if they are hungry all day," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news release.

Every student at every school will now have access to free breakfast and lunch daily.

"Free School Lunch for All will provide financial relief to families and ensure all students are receiving nutritious meals so that they can succeed in the classroom and beyond," Chancellor Farina said.

Free lunch kicks in for the 2017-18 school year.