School Board highlights annual healthy food certification impact on student meals

The Cheshire School District Board of Education convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including the annual Healthy Food Certification program. The meeting began with a brief introduction to the certification, presented by Emily Taylor, who highlighted its significance in promoting nutritional standards for food sold to students.

Taylor explained that the Healthy Food Certification is an annual initiative that the district has participated in for over a decade. This program assesses the types of food items sold on school premises, ensuring they meet Connecticut's nutrition standards. It is important to note that this certification applies only to food sold to students and does not include meals provided for free, adult sales, or food consumed during field trips.

The financial implications of the program were also discussed. The district receives a reimbursement of 10 cents for each lunch served, which contributes approximately $20,000 in revenue annually. This funding, while modest, plays a role in the district's overall budget considerations, especially in light of the current unpaid meal balance, which stands at $21,000.

The meeting continued with further discussions on budget-related items, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy food options for students while managing financial challenges. The board's commitment to nutrition and fiscal responsibility was evident throughout the discussions, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at improving student health and well-being.

In conclusion, the board's focus on the Healthy Food Certification reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance the nutritional quality of food available to students, while also addressing financial aspects related to meal services. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget and meal programs are expected in upcoming meetings.