The mission of the school nutrition program is to operate a financially responsible program that provides nutritious, appealing meals that will assist students to reach their full academic potential.

Today, the board heard a presentation on the school nutrition program. Chief operations officer, Otis Brock, says, "Well over 4 million meals are prepared and served at our cafeterias every year."

Looking at the month of October, which was the last full school month without vacations and holidays, 117,333 paid lunches, 320,921 free lunches and 46,841 reduced lunches as well as 6,314 paid adult lunches were served.  About 200,000 breakfasts were served. 

The adopted budget for the 07-08 year is $13,238,570.  59% of the district's students receive free and reduced lunch.  No local money is included in that number.  72%, or $9.5 million, comes from the federal government. 

Altheria Maynard, the school nutrition program coordinator has a 5-year plan to implement a catering program with the Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute, a comprehensive training program, to maintain a 3-month fund balance, improve the appearance of the high school cafeterias, and continue to improve the food quality at all of the kitchens.  Another plan is to study the possibility of adding a central kitchen and warehouse facility. 

For more information on the school nutrition program and the food being served to your children, tune in to News 3 at 6 & 11 on Thursday, February 14th for a special report by 3 On Your Side education reporter Randi Hempel.