Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Statistics in Broome County Schools

During the 2022-2023 school year, thousands of students throughout the state of New York qualified for free or reduced-priced lunches based on their family's income.

According to data from the State Education Department, the Syracuse City School District in Onondaga County had the highest percentage of students meeting federal income guidelines for free lunch. Over 14,000 (or 84%) of the students in the Syracuse City School District qualified for free lunches. Unfortunately, Binghamton schools weren't far behind.

Students were eligible for free lunches if their family income was up to 130% of the federal poverty level, which amounted to $40,170 a year for a family of four with two children in 2023. Kids from families making up to 185% of the poverty level, which equated to $57,165 a year for a family of four with two children in 2023, could get reduced-priced lunches.

For those living in Broome County school districts in the Southern Tier area of New York, data shows the following numbers of students qualifying for free or reduced-priced lunches:

Binghamton

71% free lunch, 0% reduced lunch

Chenango Forks

35% free lunch, 4% reduced lunch

Chenango Valley

35% free lunch, 5% reduced lunch

Deposit

55% free lunch, 0% reduced lunch

Harpursville

56% free lunch, 0% reduced lunch

Johnson City

60% free lunch, 0% reduced lunch

Maine-Endwell

34% free lunch, 2% reduced lunch

Susquehanna Valley

41% free lunch, 4% reduced lunch

Union-Endicott

52% free lunch, 0% reduced lunch

Vestal

28% free lunch, 2% reduced lunch

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These numbers offer a glimpse into the reality that many low-income families face and highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity and providing access to nutritious meals for all students.