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Marquette County: 2025 nutrition program cost report shows $4.58 raw food cost per meal
Summary
County staff reported total 2025 nutrition program expenses of $71,857.98, 28,600 meals served across three service types, a raw food cost per meal of $4.58, and explained how AMSO/indirect costs and MCO contract rules affect the program's cost-per-meal calculations and potential reimbursements.
County nutrition program staff presented the required 2025 cost report and told the Human Services committee that the program served 28,600 meals in 2025 at a total program expense of $71,857.98, with a raw food cost per meal reported at $4.58.
Jen, who led the presentation, walked the committee through the state's reporting tool and explained that the program is split into three services: home-delivered meals (17,946 in 2025), congregate/dining-site meals (9,526), and carry-out meals (1,128). She noted that costs such as dining-site manager personnel, rent, and some insure-product sales are allocated only to specific services per state reporting rules.
"Our total program expenses for 2025 were the $71,857.98," Jen said, and she added that food, staffing and vehicle/transportation costs are the key drivers. She flagged AMSO (administrative management support and overhead) and indirect costs as significant factors that increase the cost-per-meal and that the state requires including those amounts in cost-per-meal calculations for Managed Care Organization (MCO) reimbursements.
Jen also explained that while the county can present a full cost-per-meal number and approach MCOs to amend contracts, MCOs commonly seek the lowest contract rates and the county has seen few MCO-funded clients in recent years (four to five last year). The department will use the completed report to inform suggested donation levels and to pursue contract amendments with MCOs where appropriate.
Committee members discussed the effect of including AMSO in cost-per-meal calculations and trade-offs in setting suggested donation levels for congregate sites; staff emphasized that donations remain voluntary for most participants and only MCO-referred clients are required to be billed at full cost.
The committee did not vote on program changes; staff said the report will inform budget and donation recommendations for 2026-27.
