Sodexo, district report bigger breakfast participation, new freezer grant and menu changes

Sodexo's Morgan Jones and district staff presented the food-service report, highlighting initiatives that administrators say improved participation and kitchen operations.

Key items: the district received a $25,000 DESE grant to install an outdoor freezer to address storage constraints; breakfast participation increased 17% after implementing a "Second Chance Breakfast" program that offers a reimbursable grab-and-go meal between first and second period; kitchen improvements include new combi ovens at the high school and primary school; and the district hosted a Future Chefs competition to engage students. Morgan Jones said menu pilots (limited-time offers) and upcoming partnerships will roll out in January, including Bright Bites Kitchen at the primary and elementary schools and a replacement concept at the high school.

Administrators also thanked community donors who helped reduce student meal debt and noted that federal reimbursements continued despite a temporary federal shutdown concern.