Teachers praise new Danbury lunch program but flag supply and transport problems

Melinda Scott, a Danbury teacher who does lunch duty, told the Board of Education that the district’s new school‑lunch program shows “major improvement” in food quality and presentation but still has “major supply issues” and transportation problems getting food to buildings.

Why it matters: Schools’ meal quality affects student nutrition and lunchtime behavior; teachers said the improved presentation has increased student participation but logistical problems risk interrupting service.

During public comment, Melinda Scott said she supervises multiple classrooms at lunch and that the new menu included items such as “roasted broccoli” served fresh and seasoned, which she called a big step up from previous offerings. She added, “There are a lot of bumps in the road. I’m not gonna lie. There’s major supply issues. There’s major transportation issues getting food to the building,” and said staff are working with the vendor to resolve problems.

Board members and administrators acknowledged the vendor transition, thanked staff and educators for patience, and said they’d continue to work on routing and supply processes. No formal board action on Food Services was recorded at the meeting.

Discussion vs. decision: The remarks were public comment and administration reporting; the board did not vote on any meal‑service contracts at this meeting.

What to watch: Any follow‑up administrative reports on meal ordering, delivery routes and vendor performance at the next board meeting.