Food service outlines menu changes, launches CACFP after-school snack and reports rising meal participation

A food-service representative for the district presented an update on menu changes, community outreach and the start of an after-school CACFP snack program.

The presenter (Speaker 3) said the company operates across multiple states and highlighted recent menu introductions — including a crispito and a burrito taco — and a popular walking taco item. She described outreach like nutrition-advisory conversations at the high school and student survey results; company-wide survey counts were 28,267 responses while the district recorded about 292 responses.

Speaker 3 reported participation metrics for semester one: breakfast participation rose from about 35% in October to roughly 40%, with 22,031 breakfasts served; lunch participation was reported at 76% with 42,358 lunches served. She framed CACFP (after-school snack reimbursement program) as a ‘‘win-win’’ for students and the district: "Kids aren't hungry. We get more money into the district." The program will begin at the high school first, with plans to expand once initial kinks are worked out.

Board members asked about logistics and where snacks would be served; Speaker 3 said CACFP applies to students involved in after-school programs and that only one item can be taken off-site. The presenter said the district has applied for three equipment grants so far this year and plans further grant applications and catering opportunities.

The board did not change policy based on the presentation; staff said they will return with comparative data at the end of the year.