District presenter says meals program served more than 10 million meals and expands access

A presenter for the Schenectady City School District said the district served "over 10 million meals to 18 programs" last year and urged that a strong food system is an investment in students' learning and well-being.

The presenter said the district provides breakfast and lunch and has expanded services to include after-school snacks, dinner, halal options and a weekend breakfast tied to an early literacy program. "For a student to stay focused, present, and truly engaged in their learning, they need the right food to power them through the day," the presenter said.

The presenter described educational ties between the cafeteria and classrooms, naming the Harvest of the Month initiative as an example. The program teaches students "about where their food comes from and how it's grown," the presenter said, framing nutrition education as part of building lifelong healthy habits.

Officials also highlighted farm-to-school logistics: fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries from local farms arrive twice weekly, and students are encouraged to try new items, the presenter said. The presenter said the district's "farm to family wheels" initiative connects local farmers with families by providing free fresh produce during school breaks and throughout the summer.

The presenter framed the work as a community-wide effort. "Healthy food belongs to the entire community," they said, adding that nutrition "shouldn't stop when school is out because hunger has no seasonality."

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript. The presentation focused on program scope, educational components and distribution efforts; the presenter closed by saying these investments support the health, well-being and future success of students in the Schenectady City School District.