Child nutrition director reports higher participation, revised budget and local sourcing efforts

The Northfield Public School Board received an update May 12 from Director of Child Nutrition Stephanie Stromi on program participation, local sourcing efforts and proposed budgets for the child nutrition fund.

Stromi said breakfast participation increased about 1 percent and lunch participation increased about 2 percent from September through January, and the department served roughly 65,000 breakfasts and 228,000 lunches in that period. "Research has shown that starting the day with breakfast can really help to enhance the day for our students," she said, noting the district continues to operate under the state's free school-meals program that began last year.

Nut graf: The department reported higher participation that drove higher food and supply costs and prompted a proposed 2025–26 budget the director…