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Chartwells rep reports declining breakfast participation, confirms free summer meals for students
Summary
Chartwells representative Dave Fisher told the Mosinee School District board that breakfast participation is down from last year and outlined menu updates, local-produce pilots and staffing challenges; he also confirmed the district received approval to provide free meals to children 18 and under during summer school.
Dave Fisher, the Chartwells representative overseeing school meals for the Mosinee School District, told the board the district’s breakfast counts have fallen to about 195 students per day this year from 237 two years ago and that lunch service has totaled roughly 129,000 meals so far this school year, down from about 135,000 the previous year.
Fisher said the district is experimenting with menu changes and service models to boost participation, including a breakfast cart pilot that currently serves roughly 20 breakfasts per day and a return to menu favorites after student feedback. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Fisher said, adding that quick, grab‑and‑go options can help capture students who arrive with little time to eat.
He described a recent local‑produce partnership with Rock Ridge Orchards to provide a wider variety of apples and said district approval and vendor packaging standards are used when bringing local produce into schools. When asked about food‑safety treatments used by suppliers, Fisher said the district’s vendor provides packaged product that is washed by staff and that he had not observed quality problems.
Fisher also reviewed staffing pressures, noting three retirements in food service and the need to recruit replacement staff. He highlighted a staff member honored nationally as a “lunch hero” and said the district will be reviewing the new high‑school kitchen ahead of next school year.
The administration confirmed the district received approval to operate the Summer Food Service Program, allowing the district to provide free breakfast and lunch to any child age 18 and younger during summer school sessions. Fisher said the district is exploring whether the free meals can be expanded beyond summer‑school days.
Board members thanked Fisher and asked that administration continue to report on participation, vendor arrangements and staffing plans. The board did not take a formal vote on the food‑service presentation; Fisher’s report was received as information.
