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Beverly schools report rising meal participation, positive audits and equipment needs
Summary
Food service director Christine Leal told the Finance & Facilities committee that breakfast and lunch participation have risen districtwide after program changes and two recent state reviews produced only limited findings; she outlined equipment needs funded from the department's revolving account.
Christine Leal, the district's food service director, told the Finance & Facilities committee on Dec. 17 that breakfast participation has climbed to about 19.6% districtwide — up from 9% in 2018 — with some elementary schools reaching roughly 30%. Lunch participation, she said, is about 63% across the district, with double‑digit increases at the middle and high schools.
Leal said the department has tested menu changes and outreach efforts — including “hot chocolate every Thursday morning” and more kid‑friendly offerings — to attract students. “We've done really good,” she said, adding the…
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