Board approves five‑year child nutrition contract with Brigaid after presentation

Samantha Wilson, director of Child Nutrition for New London Public Schools, and Alex Leigh, Brigaid’s regional chef, presented a program update to the board and shared a sample meal before the board voted to approve a five‑year contract with Brigaid.

The presentation summarized the Child Nutrition Program’s philosophy, partnership with Brigaid, meal participation numbers, new SY24 menu items, Farm to School initiatives, FoodCorps involvement and community meal plans. Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie and program staff were present; a full copy of the presentation is available upon request.

After a closed executive session to discuss negotiations, President Elaine Maynard‑Adams moved, and Secretary Bryan Doughty seconded, a motion to approve the proposed five‑year contract with Brigaid for 2024–2029 "with discussed amendments." The motion carried 6‑0 by roll call.

The board invited district negotiators and Brigaid representatives into executive session; the board recorded time into executive session at 8:20 p.m. and time out at 8:34 p.m. No votes were taken while in executive session. The subsequent open‑session motion documented the approval and its 6‑0 tally.

The contract approval follows the district’s presentation of menu, participation and farm‑to‑school initiatives; the district did not provide the final contract text or the specific amendments approved at the meeting. Next procedural steps were not specified at the meeting.