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District approves school nutrition budget amendment after Hurricane Helene cost $1.6M in October revenue
Summary
School nutrition staff told the board Hurricane Helene forced service reductions that cost the program about $1.6 million in October and led to a budget amendment; the board approved the amendment and staff await insurance/FEMA reimbursement.
The Buncombe County Board of Education approved a school‑nutrition budget amendment June 30 after officials described revenue and equipment losses caused by Hurricane Helene.
"For October, we lost $1,600,000 in revenue just by not serving meals," said the school nutrition director, who reported the program served modified (ready‑to‑eat) meals afterward, faced higher food costs and decreased participation through February. The director said the state reimbursed food loss and equipment loss but did not reimburse lost revenue; insurance and FEMA reimbursements are still pending.
The director said the program is distributing state funds it received and is "fingers crossed" for additional reimbursements from insurance and FEMA. Board members praised staff for maintaining summer meal programs and other nutrition services while the program recovers.
Chairman Elliott asked for questions and the board approved the school nutrition budget amendment by voice vote with no opposition.
The director said final budget numbers remain uncertain until 13th‑month accounting entries are completed and reimbursements are resolved. The board heard that federal carryovers will affect timing, because many federal nutrition funds run on a federal fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
The board also praised the school nutrition team for running expanded summer feeding programs and for rapidly restoring services after the storm.
