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Aberdeen food-service director outlines menu revamp, rising meal participation
Summary
Lunchtime Solutions director Melanie Hogue told the Aberdeen School District board the program now serves about 2,900 lunches daily, raised breakfast participation to 13.55%, and introduced new menu items and promotions tied to student surveys and local farm partnerships.
Melanie Hogue, the Lunchtime Solutions food service director, told the Aberdeen School District 06-1 board that the district now serves about 2,900 lunches daily and roughly 560 breakfasts per day, totaling an estimated 570,000 meals over the school year. "Our goal always is happy, fed kids," Hogue said, describing menu changes and a push to increase participation.
Hogue said student feedback drove this year’s menu updates after the district collected 2,215 student survey responses. New entrees include Asian-style pot stickers and chicken fried rice, Mexican-style chicken fajitas and tacos, and occasional themed items such as tater tot hot dish and "breakfast for lunch" every other week. She credited a newly formed Food Service Authority Committee (FSAC) and co-branding with district staff for shaping promotions and marketing.
The director described partnerships with local farms for a "farm-to-table" produce rotation during August–October and said the program follows USDA nutritional requirements. Hogue reported breakfast participation at 13.55% against a goal of 12.48% and lunch participation at about 71.24% (up from roughly 70% last year). She said the district’s approach is to make meals appealing and break up monotony with themed promotions tied to calendar events.
Board members asked whether federal or state directives were changing local operations and whether families could visit for lunch. Hogue said the district adheres to federal nutrition guidelines, retains local flexibility through Lunchtime Solutions, and that families may visit when space is available. A board member asked whether other states fully pay for student meals (referencing Minnesota); Hogue said she did not have an exact count but indicated several states have programs beyond Minnesota’s, without providing a specific list.
Hogue closed by inviting the community to Veterans Day activities that involve food service and outlined upcoming promotions through the winter and spring. The presentation drew praise from Superintendent Dr. Govan and board members, who thanked Hogue for the program’s work.
