Food service director: DOD grant, donated applesauce and no price increase planned as district weighs equipment replacements

Michael Jones, the district’s director of student services who presented the annual food‑service report, told the Lewisburg Area School District board that the program earned several one‑time benefits this year and is managing continuing cost pressures.

Jones said the district received $45,000 from the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and procured 573 donated cases of applesauce (equivalent to 3,438 number‑10 cans). He told the board that through May the food service program served 267,861 meals, about 2 percent more than the prior year, and that after expected state reimbursements the program should close the year about $28,000 in the black. Jones said the program was temporarily about $12,000 “in the hole” before reimbursements.

Jones flagged several equipment and procurement concerns. He said the district plans to replace aging steamers with combi ovens (quoted in the presentation at about $25,000–$30,000 each), and that the walk‑in freezer at Kelly Elementary failed on the last day of school and will need at least a condenser replacement. Jones also said parts for some existing steamers are no longer available and that the district is planning phased replacements in three of four kitchens.

On meal pricing, Jones told the board he and the business office recommended not raising student meal prices for 2025–26 and said they had secured approval from the state fiscal contact to proceed: “We do have a healthy bank account for the food service that we can cover the deficit…we are not raising costs,” he said. Jones also noted student lunch debt remained an issue; he reported outstanding student meal debt at the time of the presentation of about $22,000 and said a donation from Giant Foods for $5,436.70 and a separate anonymous donor through the Green Dragon Foundation would reduce that balance, with particular concern for unpaid balances carried forward by graduating seniors.

Jones encouraged board members to support broader policy changes he said would address food insecurity: he asked the board to consider public support for Senate Bill 180, a bill discussed at a June 24 press conference in Harrisburg and described in the meeting as a proposal for universal school meals cosponsored by senators Williams and Schlenk. Jones told the board he planned to attend that event.

He concluded by proposing “farm‑to‑school” programming, classroom vendor taste tests and other student engagement strategies designed to increase meal participation and better align menus with student preferences. Jones said the DOD grant and donated inventory gave the district flexibility this year but warned that inflation, possible tariffs and aging kitchen equipment remain near‑term budget pressures.