School Committee awards FY26 food service contract to Whitsons Culinary Group
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Summary
The Everett School Committee approved Whitsons Culinary Group as food service management company for FY26; district leaders said the contract returns revenue to the district, includes a registered dietitian, and allows annual renewals up to three years.
The Everett School Committee voted 9–0 on April 29 to approve Whitsons Culinary Group as the district’s food service management company for fiscal year 2026.
Superintendent Bill Hart described a competitive DESE-prescribed procurement and said a committee that included a school committee member, principal staff and a culinary student reviewed three proposals using a formal rubric. Hart said one company—Whitsons—“stood out the most” and that the company also provides back-to-district revenue estimated at “approximately a million 7” once operations are underway.
Committee members praised Whitsons’ registered dietitian, willingness to work with culinary students and communication practices. Miss Babcock said the company posts menus and adjusts when issues arise and noted collaboration between Whitsons and the district’s culinary program, including serving student-created dishes in cafeterias.
Hart said approval would allow Whitsons to begin ordering for summer programs and that the contract includes annual renewal options up to three years. Committee members asked to receive a copy of the contract for their records; Hart agreed to provide it.
The motion to award the contract passed in roll-call vote 9–0.
