Fayetteville-Manlius schools join free meals program as Fayetteville marks holiday traditions
Fayetteville-Manlius High School is now part of the New York State Universal Free School Meals Program, while the United Church of Fayetteville prepares for its 30th annual Brass and Bells concert. Both developments bring new energy to this Central New York community as fall turns to winter.
Brian Borszewski, the Fayetteville-Manlius district’s food service program director, confirmed to Eagle News that Fayetteville-Manlius High School has officially joined the New York State Universal Free School Meals Program for the 2026-27 school year. This decision brings the high school in line with the district’s five other schools, making it the last to participate in the program and ending a more than decade-long gap since its last enrollment in 2012-13.
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Borszewski said the change has already led to more students eating lunch at the high school. He expects this trend to continue as the program rolls out fully next fall.
District officials point to the shift as a major step for families in Fayetteville and Manlius. The move means every student at the high school will have access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income or paperwork.
Before this year, Fayetteville-Manlius High School had not participated in the free meals program since the 2012-13 school year. During that time, the district relied on other food service models, including the “Snack Shacks” that became a fixture in the cafeteria and a popular stop for students between classes.
Now, the district is moving away from those snack-based revenue sources. Borszewski told Eagle News that the new approach offers a more stable and inclusive meal option for all students, not just those who could afford to buy snacks or bring lunch from home.
By The Numbers
- 6 schools: Number of Fayetteville-Manlius district schools now enrolled in the Universal Free School Meals Program, per Eagle News.
- 2012-13: Last school year Fayetteville-Manlius High School participated in the free meals program, according to Eagle News.
- 30th anniversary: Number of years the Brass and Bells concert has run at United Church of Fayetteville, per Eagle News.
The Universal Free School Meals Program covers all six schools in the Fayetteville-Manlius district: Enders Road Elementary, Fayetteville Elementary, Mott Road Elementary, Eagle Hill Middle, Wellwood Middle, and now the high school. This expansion means that from kindergarten through 12th grade, every student in the district will have access to free meals at school.
For families, this change could mean less financial stress, especially for those with multiple children enrolled. The cost of school lunches can add up quickly, and the new program removes that burden for hundreds of households across Fayetteville and Manlius.
District officials say the program’s return has already led to more students eating lunch at the high school. This could have ripple effects for student health and classroom performance, as research has shown that access to regular meals supports learning and concentration.
What’s new for Fayetteville-Manlius students and families
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, every student at Fayetteville-Manlius High School will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch. Borszewski said this shift moves the school away from relying on “Snack Shacks” for revenue and toward a more stable, inclusive meal option for all students.
For some families, the change means not having to fill out paperwork or worry about qualifying for reduced-price meals. Every student can simply show up and eat, no questions asked. This approach also helps reduce stigma for students who might have felt singled out in the past.
The move aligns Fayetteville-Manlius with other Central New York districts that have adopted similar programs over the past few years. Districts in Syracuse, Liverpool, and East Syracuse Minoa have also expanded free meal offerings, citing benefits for student health and attendance.
For more updates on local education, visit our CNY education page.
Community impact and local context
Fayetteville-Manlius High School’s enrollment in the free meals program is part of a broader trend across Central New York, where schools are seeking ways to support students’ well-being and academic success. The district’s participation comes after years of operating without the program, making this a notable change for students who may have previously faced barriers to accessing school meals.
District officials say the program’s return has already led to more students eating lunch at the high school. This could have ripple effects for student health and classroom performance, as research has shown that access to regular meals supports learning and concentration.
For the Fayetteville-Manlius district, the move also represents a shift in how schools approach food service. The transition away from “Snack Shacks” as a revenue source reflects a new focus on stability and equity, according to Eagle News.
In the past, the “Snack Shacks” offered chips, cookies, and other a la carte items that brought in extra money for the district. But Borszewski said the new program allows the district to prioritize nutritious meals over snack sales, which can help address food insecurity and support better learning outcomes.
Fayetteville-Manlius is not alone in this shift. Across Central New York, districts have reported increased participation in school meal programs when meals are free for all students. This trend has been especially noticeable in schools where families face economic challenges, but even in more affluent districts like Fayetteville-Manlius, officials say universal access helps everyone.
Holiday traditions continue in Fayetteville
As the school district makes changes to support students, the broader Fayetteville community is preparing for a milestone event. The United Church of Fayetteville will host its 30th annual Brass and Bells concert on December 6, according to Eagle News. The concert, which began in 1996, joins the church’s adult and youth handbell choirs with the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble for a holiday performance during Advent.
The Brass and Bells concert has become a staple of Fayetteville’s St. Nicholas Festival, drawing residents from across the village and surrounding towns. The event highlights the strong tradition of music and community spirit in Fayetteville, and this year’s 30th anniversary is expected to be a special celebration for longtime attendees and newcomers alike. For more on upcoming events, check our community events page.
The United Church of Fayetteville sits at 310 East Genesee Street, right in central the village. Each December, the church fills with music as the handbell choirs and brass ensemble perform holiday classics and new arrangements. The concert is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to support the church’s music programs.
Over the past three decades, the Brass and Bells concert has grown from a small church event to a highlight of the holiday season in Fayetteville. Residents from Manlius, Dewitt, and even as far as Chittenango make the trip to hear the music and kick off the Advent season. The event is part of the St. Nicholas Festival, which also features a tree lighting, crafts, and visits from Santa Claus on the village green.
Looking back: A decade since last free meals at FM High School
Fayetteville-Manlius High School’s last participation in the Universal Free School Meals Program was in the 2012-13 school year, per Eagle News. Since then, the district has relied on other food service models, including the “Snack Shacks” that became popular with students. The return to the free meals program marks a full-circle moment for the district and signals a renewed commitment to student well-being.
Other Central New York districts have made similar moves over the past few years, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of accessible school meals. For families in Fayetteville and Manlius, the change means more students will have access to nutritious food without stigma or financial barriers.
During the years without the free meals program, some families in the district had to budget for daily or weekly lunch costs, which could add up to hundreds of dollars per year per student. The return of the program removes that expense and ensures that no student has to skip lunch because of cost.
District officials say they will monitor participation rates and meal quality as the program expands. Borszewski noted that the district is working with vendors to offer a variety of healthy options, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and hot entrees, to appeal to students and encourage participation.
What this means for Central New York
The developments in Fayetteville-Manlius reflect broader trends in Central New York education and community life. As more schools join free meal programs, families across Central New York could see improved student health and academic outcomes. Meanwhile, longstanding traditions like the Brass and Bells concert continue to bring residents together, reinforcing the sense of community that defines towns like Fayetteville.
For more on how local schools and organizations are shaping life in Central New York, follow our local business news and Syracuse schools coverage.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on Fayetteville-Manlius school programs, visit the district’s official website. For details on the Brass and Bells concert and other community events, check the United Church of Fayetteville’s announcements and our local events page.
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Sources
- Eagle News, Fayetteville-Manlius enrolls in free meals program for 2026-27 school year
- Eagle News, United Church of Fayetteville to host 30th anniversary Brass and Bells Dec. 6
