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Dietary director: more than 70% of students taking lunch as district weighs continuing subsidy
Summary
Director Steve Davis reported over 70% daily participation in the lunch program, stressed local sourcing and nutrition priorities, and recommended continued board supplementing of the program from general operations due to rising costs and reimbursement shortfalls.
Director of Nutrition and Food Services Steve Davis told the board that the district's lunch program has evolved over two decades and currently sees more than 70% of students participating daily. He said the program focuses on healthy and locally sourced meals and that most department employees have more than 10 years of service, though neighboring districts' higher wages create retention competition.
Davis said federal and state reimbursements do not cover total program costs; the board has subsidized meals from the general operations budget for several years and he recommended that practice continue. He described operational responses to waste and preferences: leftovers are reused when possible, shared with families in need, or placed on "share tables." Davis also flagged uncertainty about making Universal School Meals permanent, noting potential legislative challenges despite advocacy efforts.
