New York is set to become the latest state to offer free school meals to students beginning next school year.

The program will provide breakfast and lunch to all students, free of charge, with no need to sign up.

The current state program provides free or reduced price meal plans for families that qualify - but many advocates and officials claimed it did not feed enough students in need.

Educators say students are able to focus more, have more energy, and are more engaged in the classroom when they are fed and not worried about where they'll get their next meal.