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CUSD approves Ordo Inc. meal contract for 2026–27; board asks about cost and participation
Summary
After an RFP process the board approved a vended-meal contract with Ordo Inc. for the 2026–27 school year; the board questioned per-meal pricing and projected program shortfalls while staff said higher participation could offset costs.
The Cabrio Unified School District board approved a school-meal services agreement with Ordo Incorporated to provide vended breakfast and lunch services for 2026–27.
District staff and nutrition staff presented the contract after a competitive RFP process. Lucas Kuzzac, an Ordo representative, was on hand to answer questions. Board members pressed for clarity on pricing and program cost. Stephanie Modina, the district’s food-service coordinator, told the board the vendor’s pricing quoted in meeting discussion was $4.20 per lunch and $2.20 per breakfast; she and staff noted state reimbursement for lunch is roughly $4.00 per meal. Staff projected the program will continue to run above reimbursed costs and estimated a shortfall around $300,000 under current participation levels, though they said improved meal quality could increase participation and reduce the deficit.
The contract includes provision for special-diet meals at the same per-meal price, staff said. Non-heated surplus meals are planned to be donated to a local partner (CoSide Hope) and some sites reuse meals for after-school programs where permitted. The board approved the agreement by voice vote.
Why it matters: Meal programs are a district operational expense with direct impacts on student nutrition and district budgets; pricing, participation and staffing all affect the program’s net cost and potential subsidies.
Next steps: Food-service staff will monitor participation under the Ordo contract and report projected program costs and any proposed changes to district subsidies.
