Nutritional Director highlights successful year in Fort Atkinson School District

Fort Atkinson School District's nutritional program is thriving, according to the district's Nutritional Director, who reported significant successes during the recent School Board of Education meeting. With a focus on consistency and quality, the department has served over a third of a million meals this year, making it the busiest food service entity in the area.

The director highlighted the importance of using USDA-sourced "brown box commodities" to create appealing and nutritious meals for students. This year has been characterized as a transitional period, emphasizing stability in meal service and staff morale. The department has successfully maintained high participation rates, particularly in lunch services, which have reached 51% compared to a national average of 27%. However, breakfast participation remains lower, prompting the team to explore strategies to boost engagement.

Financially, the nutritional program is on track to meet its budget by June 30, thanks in part to improved pricing from suppliers and a cooperative purchasing agreement with other districts. The director noted that while some costs have decreased, challenges remain, particularly with fluctuating food prices due to supply chain issues.

The meeting also addressed the department's commitment to enhancing meal quality through scratch cooking and innovative menu options. New offerings like burger bowls and birria tacos have been well-received, reflecting a trend towards more appealing, hands-on meals that resonate with students.

Looking ahead, the nutritional department aims to continue its focus on quality and community engagement, with plans to further incorporate local food sources and expand catering services as alternative revenue streams. The director expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the department's goal to be a model for nutritional excellence in Wisconsin schools.