The Excelsior Springs Board of Education meeting on September 9, 2025, focused on the district's food nutrition services, highlighting the effectiveness of its breakfast and lunch programs. The discussion emphasized the importance of providing nutritious meals while maintaining fiscal responsibility and student choice.

The food service program has been operating successfully, meeting state and federal regulations while remaining financially viable. The district reported a 13% increase in breakfast participation and an 8% increase in lunch participation compared to the previous year, surpassing national averages. The program has also been able to fund initiatives such as free meals during testing periods, thanks to its positive financial standing.

Key goals moving forward include increasing student participation in meal programs, maximizing access to free and reduced meals, and ensuring a variety of nutritious options. However, challenges remain, particularly with uncollectible meal balances, which have risen to $48,000 this year. This issue is not unique to Excelsior Springs, as many districts face similar challenges post-COVID.

The board discussed the importance of free and reduced meal applications, noting a significant drop in submissions at the secondary level. This decline affects funding and resources available to the district. Board members stressed the need for community awareness regarding the benefits of completing these applications, which extend beyond meal provision to impact overall funding and resources for the district.

Concerns were raised about the quality of meals, particularly at the elementary level, with some board members advocating for improvements. The discussion also touched on the complexities of nutritional requirements that vary by age group, which can affect meal options.

In conclusion, the board approved the food service program evaluation, committing to ongoing improvements and community engagement to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals. The district aims to continue fostering positive relationships with food service providers while addressing financial challenges and enhancing meal quality.