The NYSED (New York State Education Department) has unfairly canceled the Lawrence School District Kosher Food Distribution program and we demand that these services be reinstated.  The cancelation of this food program denies equitable access to food and nutrition services for over 20,000 children on Long Island who are enrolled in the program. This was the only kosher program on Long Island including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Please note that the NYSED did not cancel the district's distribution of non kosher meals. 

The FFCRA and CARES Acts allow states to loosen their school meal programs to serve all students in an area, even if that area wouldn’t under normal circumstances qualify for 100 percent free meals. The NYSED has unfairly determined that the children enrolled in the Lawrence School District Kosher program do not qualify because many are not enrolled in the public school.  The majority of students are attending schools which do not have a USDA or government sponsored food program. This cancelation is in direct contrast to the intent of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.  By canceling this program and food distribution site the NYSED is denying children access to food and nutrition during this unprecedented time and is leaving many children on Long Island hungry. 

We call upon our elected officials in Albany and Washington and the NYSED to immediately reinstate the kosher food distribution program and ensure that there is no gap in food and nutrition services for our children.