Free School Meals Returning For Students Across Central New YorkOne less thing for families to worry about when the new school year begins — making sure students have access to breakfast and lunch. The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES School Food Service has announced that meals will once again be served at no charge for all students during the 2026-2027 school year. The free meals are made possible through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Community Eligibility Provision, also known as CEP. The free meal program will be available at several Central New York districts and school buildings throughout the area, including:Brookfield Central School DistrictClinton Central School DistrictFrankfort-Schuyler Central School DistrictHerkimer Central School DistrictNew Hartford Central School DistrictNew York Mills Union Free School DistrictOHM BOCES Middle Settlement Ave and Lincoln Ave locationsOriskany Central School DistrictOwen D. Young Central School DistrictPoland Central School DistrictRemsen Central School DistrictRichfield Springs Central School DistrictSauquoit Valley Central School DistrictWaterville Central School DistrictWestmoreland Central School DistrictFor many families, school meals are an important part of the day, and OHM BOCES says continuing this program helps make sure every student has access to nutritious meals while also making things a little easier for parents and school staff. So when students head back to class for the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast and lunch will already be taken care of.