Winthrop nutrition director expects rise in meals; program not requesting local funding

Nutrition Director Sam Baldwin told the board the nutrition program projects a roughly 5.88% increase within the program for FY27, with approximately 4% of that increase attributable to rising food costs. She emphasized the program is not requesting local school-district funds to cover the increase and that higher enrollment will drive more meals served.

"We're not asking for any money from the local budget," Baldwin said, adding the increase will support professional development for staff and management (food safety, etc.) and accommodate more meals as student enrollment increases. Board members confirmed they could follow along with the packet materials and thanked Baldwin for the presentation. No vote was taken on the nutrition program’s budget at this session.