Connectquot food service reports jump in breakfast participation after CEP rollout; program remains self‑sustaining

Mister Hauser, the district food‑service presenter, told the Board of Education on Feb. 12 that the district's food‑service operation is financially self‑sustaining and that participation increased markedly since the launch of the community eligibility provision (CEP) last March.

"Our food service program here is 100% self sustaining financially," Hauser said. He told the board that nine schools participate in CEP and one building uses a separate waiver program.

Hauser presented month‑to‑month comparisons for January 2024 and January 2025. He said breakfast participation was especially notable: "This past January, we did over 30,000 breakfast meals," Hauser said, compared with 818 breakfast meals in January 2024 on the slide he displayed. He noted those January figures reflect total monthly service days rather than per‑day counts.

Nut graf: The district attributed the sharp increase in breakfast service to CEP and staff efforts; Hauser said lunch service remained roughly steady, a la carte sales declined and the management fee to Aramark ticked up consistent with higher meal volumes.

Hauser said the program's revenue mix includes federal and state reimbursements and paid customers (students and staff). He displayed a profitability line showing the program covers its management costs and operating expenses; the district general fund does not subsidize food service.

Board members asked whether some parents might be unaware that a la carte items remain available for purchase now that lunches are free. Hauser said the district would review menu and communication practices.

Ending: The board thanked Hauser and food‑service staff and directors for the program rollout, and members expressed support for continuing to promote CEP and guest‑chef events across schools.