Free breakfast for Red Hook students again in 2024-25 through Ascienzo Family Foundation

Red Hook Central School District students will again receive free breakfast every day this school year, with assistance from The Ascienzo Family Foundation. 

Last school year Red Hook served students more than 59,000 free breakfasts, 51% more than the previous year. 

The Ascienzo Family Foundation is providing $30,000 this year for the program, which also receives reimbursements from the state and the USDA. The donation is scheduled to be formally recognized at the Board of Education’s Sept. 12 meeting. 

Under the program, any district student interested in receiving a free breakfast can simply visit the cafeteria, with no need for registration. Director of Food Services Larry Anthony observed the program’s growing popularity was evident immediately last year, when a second serving line was needed at Mill Road in the first week of school. 

Anthony also noted the program has led to “increased alertness and improvement in mood” among students in the mornings, and an “increase in comradery amongst students” gathering in the morning. 

The menu provides students a wide variety of proteins, grains and fresh fruit, including local produce like grapes, peaches, nectarines, plums and pears. The goal, Anthony said, is not only to encourage healthy diets but also reduce food insecurity and absenteeism. 

The program, he said, is “an illustration of the Red Hook school community’s resolve for the care of its students.” 

Breakfast and lunch menus at each school are available on the district’s website. 

“Students who eat breakfast are more likely to be receptive learners in the classroom,” said Dr. Janet Warden, superintendent of schools. “The district and Board of Education is grateful to the Ascienzo Family Foundation for its continued support of Red Hook students.”