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Nutrition staff tout new recipes and rising participation; FY24‑25 food service shows operating deficit
Summary
Nutrition services reported menu innovation, student taste tests and a Pizza Hut pilot that sold out at LO High; the ODE administrative review found no fiscal actions, but the food service fund ran an operating deficit of just over $330,000 for FY24‑25, prompting administration to plan cost reductions and participation growth.
Food service staff presented a program update highlighting student engagement, new recipes and partnerships. Chris Castro described student surveys, a student meal committee, tastings of new breakfast bars and menu pilots such as Pizza Hut at the high‑school level; staff said breakfast participation is up and district lunch participation reached about 29.9% with small month‑to‑month increases.
Administration also discussed financial results in the board packet: Kessler reported an operating deficit in the food service fund of just over $330,000 for FY24‑25 and noted a reliance on USDA reimbursements and commodities in prior years. The superintendent and Kessler said staff are pursuing cost‑saving steps, menu adjustments and strategies to increase participation because higher meal counts materially improve the fund balance. The ODE administrative review’s on‑site portion concluded positively with four minor findings (two already corrected); the district will submit additional documentation to resolve the remaining two items.
Board members asked about participation trends at Lakeridge High School and Rivergrove, vendor changes for burger patties, nutritionals for branded items and whether competitive foods such as DoorDash remain a concern. Staff said they are tracking participation and adjusting offerings, and noted that the district purchased a transport van and negotiated larger pack sizes to reduce freight.
