Officials around the state and here in the Hudson Valley are renewing calls to pass legislation that would create a permanent healthy school meals program for New York public schools.

The effort failed in the 2022 legislative session, but officials on both sides of the aisle are ramping up urgency after the federal program that provided free meals to students during the pandemic expired.

Sen. Michelle Hinchey has sponsored a bill in the Senate. That bill is co-sponsored by Sen. James Skoufis. State Assemblyman Brian Maher is co-sponsoring a bill in the Assembly.

The legislation would provide free breakfast and lunch to all children in public schools, from pre-K through 12th grade, and ensure there is no stigma against any child suffering from food insecurity.

The two bills are in committee.