Sycamore child nutrition reports larger participation, steady finances and new outreach to smaller schools

Liz Helmbright, a child nutrition staff member, told the Sycamore Community City Board of Education that the district’s school meal program posted a profit last year, increased student participation and is expanding outreach and menu options for the current school year.

Helmbright said the program finished the 2023–24 school year with “a total profit of over a $127,000,” and that federal reimbursements exceeded $1,000,000 for the year. She told the board the nutrition program is self-sustaining and that any surplus is reinvested in staff, equipment and food quality.

The presentation highlighted nutrition and regulatory guidance, saying the district follows the Ohio Revised Code requirements and federal Smart Snacks-style guidelines for foods and beverages sold during the school day. Helmbright described the program’s emphasis on whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and limiting calories, sodium, fats and added sugars.

Why it matters: student meals affect both child health and district finances. Helmbright told trustees that higher participation and federal reimbursements helped the program…