Food services provider OPA reports participation gains, outlines efficiency and outreach plans
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Summary
OPA representative Vanessa Crosby told the Waynesville R‑VI board that breakfast participation is 61% and lunch participation 58% this semester, with targeted action plans to improve lunch efficiency and promote the MySchoolMenus app; CACFP and summer feeding programs were also summarized.
Vanessa Crosby, representing OPA (the district’s food services partner), presented a business review to the Waynesville R‑VI Board of Education outlining participation metrics, program reach and planned service improvements.
Crosby reported breakfast participation at 61% with 44,472 meals served this semester and lunch participation at 58% with 44,747 meals. She said the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) currently serves an average of about 9,465 students in after‑school programs and that the non‑congregate summer feeding program served a little over 6,000 individuals during the summer; both programs are federally reimbursed.
OPA conducted a student survey across its districts that returned roughly 28,000 responses; favorite menu items included the ‘walking taco,’ taco salad and popcorn chicken salad. Crosby outlined action plans to improve lunch efficiency (adjusting serving layouts) and to promote the MySchoolMenus app so parents and students can access allergens, ingredient information and menu updates.
The presentation closed with an invitation to explore grant opportunities and to follow up on questions about program details. Board members asked clarifying questions about program history and growth; Crosby offered to research grants and additional details as needed.