CITY OF NEWBURGH – Newburgh students will be able to eat lunch for free when the new year starts in September, the school district announced on Wednesday.

The initiative expands on a program that began last year, when students could get free breakfasts. Participation in the district’s breakfast program increased by 26 percent under the free program, Food Service Director Caitlin Lazarski said.

Students do not need to qualify for the free meals.

“Healthier students perform better academically,” Superintendent Roberto Padilla said. “We are working to ensure that hunger does not stand in the way of any child’s potential for excellence.”