School nutrition program breaks records with new initiatives

During a recent government meeting, the Food and Nutrition Services department presented its fiscal year 2025 report, highlighting significant achievements and future plans. Dr. Ted Bohr, leading the discussion, noted that the department operates as a special revenue fund, independent from the Board of Education, primarily funded through meal reimbursements from the USDA. This year, the department served a record 1.4 million lunches and over 1 million breakfasts, a remarkable feat considering the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key development was the addition of 10 new Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, which allows students to receive meals at no charge, regardless of their meal benefit status. This expansion reflects the department's commitment to increasing access to nutritious meals for all students.

The meeting also covered the department's financials, with a focus on revenues and expenses. The budget for the current school year showed a significant increase in revenue due to the new CEP schools. The department is required by the USDA to maintain a fund balance equivalent to three months of expenses, leading to strategic spending on necessary kitchen supplies and equipment, including new cafeteria tables for several schools.

In staffing updates, Dr. Bohr introduced new team members and recognized Jamie Van Dyke, who is retiring after 35 years of service, praising her invaluable contributions to the department.

Looking ahead, the department is set to launch its summer feeding program, expanding meal distribution to new locations across the county, including Cecilton and Port Deposit. This initiative aims to ensure that children continue to receive meals during the summer months.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the recommendation to maintain school meal and milk prices for the 2024-2025 school year at current levels, reflecting a commitment to affordability for families.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) for fiscal year 2025, which will be reviewed in detail at the next board meeting. This plan is essential for assessing the condition of school facilities and planning future capital projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the department's proactive approach to enhancing food services and facilities, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals and safe learning environments.