Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Lunch4Learning Campaign, including parents, students, labor unions, advocates, and elected officials, all 1.1 million public school students will receive free lunch. "There are few moments when the reach and impact is so great...not just for the 1.1 million students today but for generations to come," said Liz Accles, Director of Community Food Advocates, at the press conference.

This initiative is made possible through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Read statements from Mayor Bill de Blasio; local, state, and federal elected officials from across the city; and advocates who championed this cause.