Mahopac board hears Aramark on growing a la carte breakfast, nutrition questions from parents

The Mahopac Central School District Board of Education on Dec. 26 heard an update from food‑service staff and Aramark managers on menu changes, a high‑school a la carte breakfast pilot and participation metrics.

Aramark district manager Deb Smith described the in‑school a la carte breakfast initiative that began in 2023 and said the program has expanded from serving roughly 30–40 additional meals per day at its start to about 80–90 additional meals per day in the current school year. Smith said new offerings such as fresh‑fruit smoothies and a twice‑weekly acai bowl helped boost uptake and that staff use signage and reader boards to promote items.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Alyssa Murray framed participation as a key success metric, saying the district’s average daily participation has risen over the past three years. The transcript records Murray’s September figure as “14 77 meals” districtwide; the board packet or district records should be consulted for the precise number.

During public comment, parent and wellness committee member Kate Bellantoni praised recent changes (removal of Gatorade and added‑sugar juices in elementary schools) and urged the board to accelerate reductions in artificial dyes, preservatives and added sugars across snacks and drinks. Bellantoni asked the board to consider budgeting for consulting services from a registered dietitian to assist menu planning.

Board members and staff discussed outreach to students and families — recommending announcements, cafeteria reader boards and school‑level messaging — and debated whether the a la carte breakfast should expand to the middle school. The board also sampled food service items and praised the program for operating without general‑fund subsidies.

The board did not adopt any policy changes at the meeting; parents’ requests and the idea of hiring a dietitian were referred for further consideration.