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Ralston board approves Sodexo to run school food service for 2025–26, contingent on state approval
Summary
The Ralston Public Schools Board voted to contract Sodexo as the district's food service manager for the 2025'1 school year, contingent on approval from Nebraska Department of Education nutrition services. Board members cited menu improvements and local sourcing in choosing Sodexo over a competing bidder.
The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education voted to accept a proposal from Sodexo to provide food-service management for the 2025'26 school year, contingent on final approval by Nebraska Department of Education nutritional services.
Board member Mary (board member) made the motion and Liz (board member) seconded it. Mary told fellow trustees that Sodexo's proposal included a guarantee of positive lunch-account balances and that longtime staffer Judy would return as part of Sodexo's program. "Judy will be returning as our as part of our our brand. So an asset worth almost more than the, guaranteed return," Mary said during discussion.
The board discussed elements from both proposals and praised the competitive process. A board member noted Sodexo's commitment to local food sources and changes in menu offerings, including lower-processed options. "I just really appreciate Sodexo's commitment to local food sources, and really raised up again, like, the fresh meats," one board member said.
Board members called the roll and recorded five affirmative votes. The motion passed. Following the vote, the district said it will send the approved contract to the Nebraska Department of Education for review to ensure federal- and state-nutrition compliance before the contract becomes final.
The vote and next steps - Motion: "Accept the proposal for Sodexo Company to be our food service provider for the 2025'26 school year contingent on NDE nutritional services approval." (moved by Mary; seconded by Liz) - Vote: recorded as five recorded ayes; outcome: approved, contingent on NDE approval.
The district plans to forward the contract to NDE for federal- and state-level review. The board indicated the vendor will begin work only after that approval.
Provenance Topic introduction: "I recommend we accept the proposal for Sodexo Company to be our food service provider for the 20 25, 20 26 school year contingent on NDE nutritional services approval." (meeting transcript, motion start) Topic finish: "I'll be sending it down to NDA. Say this is the 1 we approved, and I'll review it to make sure it aligns with the federal." (meeting transcript, next-step comment)
