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Child nutrition director says program serves more than 1 million meals but faces reimbursement pressure
Summary
Child nutrition staff reported the district serves over 1,000,000 meals annually but federal reimbursement rates are not keeping pace with rising costs; the program is cutting waste and managing staffing to remain self-sustaining.
The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 child nutrition program serves more than 1,000,000 meals a year, staff reported to the board at the meeting.
Stephanie, the district’s child nutrition lead, told the board that reimbursement increases have not kept up with rising food and labor costs. “We are struggling,” she said, explaining the program is reducing overproduction, monitoring staff use and avoiding automatic hires. She noted a recent federal reimbursement increase of 14¢ for free and reduced-price meals and 1¢ for full-pay students but said that still leaves financial pressure.
Board members praised the program’s work — including the fresh fruit and vegetable initiative and CEP participation — and urged continued oversight of costs and participation rates. Stephanie said the team is maximizing participation in available programs and watching staff usage closely as part of cost-control efforts.
