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School nutrition director reports more than 1.2 million meals served; RFP responses due for food‑service contract
Summary
Kathy Berry, director of school nutrition, told the Cleveland City Schools board the district served roughly 522,000 breakfasts and 686,000 lunches this year under the Community Eligibility Provision and has three more years of CEP eligibility.
Kathy Berry, director of school nutrition for Cleveland City Schools, told the board on June 1 that the department served a little over 522,000 breakfasts and 686,000 lunches this past year, all at no cost to students because the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). She said the district has three more years of CEP eligibility.
Berry reported roughly 16,000 after‑school suppers were served to students participating in YMCA programs, tutoring and some sports teams. The district’s fresh fruit and vegetable program continues in elementary schools three times per week, and Berry said staff and students used surveys this year (students, faculty and community) to collect feedback on menus and service.
Survey feedback highlighted popular items (pizza, chicken nuggets), appreciation for free meals, and positive responses to offer‑versus‑serve choice. Concerns included limited hot breakfast choices and perceived small portion sizes; Berry said portion sizes are governed by USDA guidelines and noted time, labor and cost constraints affect service at the high school level. She said the breakfast menu has been revamped and the department is addressing hot breakfast options for the coming year.
Berry outlined several equipment purchases from fund balance: ice machines for three schools, a new commodity freezer for Cleveland High School (the current freezer had failed), and new computers for cafeteria manager offices and point‑of‑sale systems.
On the food‑service management contract, Berry said the district’s existing contract is expiring and that an RFP was issued in April. She said three vendors submitted proposals last week; proposals will be opened and scored the next day and, pending approval, a new contract would begin July 1 for the middle school and high school.
Board members asked whether meals would remain free; Berry confirmed the district has three more years of CEP eligibility "unless something changes in legislation."
