Food‑service budget projects a $15,055 shortfall for 2026–27, presenter says
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Summary
At a Jan. 29 special operations meeting, food‑service director Mister Bondi presented a preliminary 2026–27 food‑service budget showing $2,809,846 in revenue, $2,824,901 in expenses and a projected $15,055 deficit; projections rely on recent meal counts and federal reimbursement assumptions.
Mister Bondi presented the Wallingford School District’s first look at the food‑service budget for the 2026–27 school year on Thursday, saying projected revenues total $2,809,846 while projected expenses total $2,824,901 — a projected shortfall of $15,055.
“I’ve got total revenue of $2,809,846,” Bondi said during the presentation. He listed key expense components: total product cost of $1,404,923, personnel costs budgeted at $1,249,585, and other direct costs (electric, freight, mileage and maintenance) of $170,393.
Bondi said his projections are based on a “so‑called normal year” and the district’s recent meal counts, using September and October data to project next year’s meal participation. He told board members that food costs have risen and that product cost is budgeted at roughly 46% of revenues, up slightly from current levels.
Bondi also flagged a possible small reduction in the number of free meals if federal or administrative benefits change: “maybe 10 or 12 a month,” he said, but added he expects the state to step in if those benefits are curtailed. He described no additional contingencies beyond the usual variables in meal counts and reimbursement rates.
The food‑service presentation concluded with Bondi saying the projection could change between now and the start of the year and that staff will monitor reimbursement and participation trends. No formal vote or decision was taken; the district will review the food‑service figures further in upcoming budget workshops and in the budget book the board will receive before its Feb. 2 workshop.