Ashe County Schools warns participation dips and federal freeze could strain child‑nutrition budget

District staff and Board members spent an extended discussion on child nutrition funding, participation rates and the risks posed by inclement weather and a possible federal spending freeze.

Staff said the district’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) participation is roughly 56% countywide and that meal reimbursement depends on participation levels. Officials told the Board that missed school days — January’s closures and the recent hurricane effects — reduced meal counts, and staff estimated the lost participation represented substantial revenue pressure. One Board member said the district lost roughly $100,000 in a single month of closures; staff explained that figure referred to the decreased USDA reimbursements tied to meals served.

Board members asked whether USDA or school‑nutrition grants were at risk from a federal freeze; staff said they had not received formal notice from USDA that reimbursements or programs were frozen but that a federal spending freeze could hurt grant awards and timing. Staff noted some programs (like CEP) are federal and others are state‑administered; they cautioned the Board against assuming new money and urged contingency planning.

The Board discussed alternatives if funding falls short, including returning to free/reduced paperwork rather than CEP (which eliminates stigma but ties reimbursements to participation) and increasing outreach to ensure participation. Staff said they will continue to pursue renewal grants and track participation closely.

Ending: The Board asked staff to monitor USDA communications, report any federal action affecting programs and provide regular participation and budget updates to avoid shortfalls in child‑nutrition services.