District reports $211,132.47 estimate for Shining Stars CACFP award and enrollment breakdown

Jennifer Hannah presented the district’s annual Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) renewal for Shining Stars at the Jan. 13 meeting, reporting the program’s enrollment and estimated federal reimbursement.

Hannah said Shining Stars renewed its application for 199 participants and received an estimated award of $211,132.47; she cautioned that the total will vary with enrollment throughout the year. The enrollment breakdown she provided listed 132 students eligible for free meals, 27 eligible for reduced-price meals, and 40 who were denied eligibility. Hannah said students denied eligibility are covered through a reduced rate with CACFP and local funds provided by NC Pre-K partners.

Hannah said the federal funds help support cafeteria staff salaries and student meals for the 2025–26 school year. Board members confirmed that eligibility criteria and program administration follow CACFP and state guidance.

What’s next: The award and eligibility numbers will be monitored as enrollment changes during the school year; Hannah will return with any significant adjustments to projected funding.