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North Marion reports surge in meals served under free-meals program; food service emphasizes sustainability
Summary
Food-service staff reported nearly 300,000 meals served in 2024–25 under the Community Eligibility Provision and strong summer feeding numbers, but noted the district must cover the 10% food-service share unless the state provides additional reimbursement.
Food-service staff told the board that North Marion served nearly 300,000 meals during the 2024–25 school year under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), an increase of roughly 47,000 meals over the prior year, and provided more than 24,000 summer meals across program sites.
Laurie, who presented the report, said high-school participation has especially increased and that the department managed meal service rapidly ("we do almost 200 kids in 7 minutes"), improving service time and student access. She noted the district receives a 90% reimbursement rate on the CEP program and that the district must cover the remaining 10% through the food-service fund or general fund unless the state provides additional reimbursement.
Laurie said the state reimbursed an additional 10% the prior year but that such supplemental funding is not guaranteed; the district will submit requests as available and continue to seek efficiencies in staffing and procurement to manage the district’s share. She also described summer feeding and on-campus summer programs that supported community needs.
Speakers quoted: Laurie on meal totals and operational improvements; board members praised food-service staff for responsiveness and efficiency.
Ending: The board thanked staff for the program’s expansion; food-service staff will continue to monitor reimbursement possibilities and operational efficiencies.
