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Wappingers board adopts 2026–27 school lunch budget after report on sharp participation gains
Summary
After a presentation on the district’s first full year in the Community Eligibility Program, the Wappingers Central School District Board approved the 2026–27 food service budget — citing higher meal participation, a projected $495,000 fund balance, and planned capital investments to support food service operations.
The Wappingers Central School District Board on Thursday approved the 2026–27 school lunch fund budget and participation in the National School Lunch Program, following a presentation on the district’s first full year using the Community Eligibility Program (CEP).
During the presentation, the district representative told the board that "we had a marked increase in participation in breakfast over 60% and about 23% increase in lunch during the 2025–2026 school year," and said all meals served in district kitchens are USDA compliant. Matthew Plouffe, identified in the meeting as the district’s director of food services and present in the audience, added that participation rose quickly at the start of the school year and then leveled off by mid‑October.
The presenter said the food service budget showed increased federal and state reimbursement revenue tied to higher participation and projected a fund balance — described in the presentation as a profit — of about $495,000 for 2025–26 after equipment purchases and higher food and staffing costs. The presentation outlined planned capital investments for 2026–27, including installing a walk‑in freezer at Myers Corners Elementary and adding a generator at RCP to protect refrigerated storage.
Board members asked for monthly enrollment figures and participation-by-month data; the presenter offered to provide those month‑by‑month counts to the board. The presentation also noted ongoing staffing shortages and a continuing need for substitutes and permanent hires in kitchen operations.
After the discussion, Trustee Mr. May moved to adopt the food service budget and authorize participation in the National School Lunch Program and the certificate of acceptance; Trustee Mr. Cavallaro seconded. President Johnson called the vote and the motion passed unanimously.
The approval authorizes the district to continue CEP‑based service and proceeds with the capital and staffing plans described in the presentation. The board did not request changes to the budget at the meeting and directed staff to provide further participation breakdowns on request.
