I have been meaning to compose a new letter for some time.
This is an appropriate week to do so, as the School Nutrition
Association has encouraged us to educate our communities about the work
we are doing this November.
Our numbers of students eligible for free and reduced meals have
risen from 20 to 21% of our population this year. You may have
read the headlines about rising food costs, increased unemployment, and
the rise in “food insecure” households. We are seeing more students in
school who have not eaten breakfast, nor do they have snacks during the
day.
The cost to produce a meal for us has increased, while the federal
reimbursement to us for providing the meal does not equal what we spend
to produce it. I always tell folks we plan, shop, prepare, serve,
and clean up for every customer who buys a meal from us. In that
way we are like a restaurant, or a parent at home.
This year we are paid $2.33 for every free, $1.93 for every reduced,
and $.24 for every paid meal we serve. We are not compensated for
adult meals, which is why they are charged more than are students for
lunch or breakfast. The commodity foods sent to us average out to
provide $.18 per meal towards food cost.
Providing food to students so they are well nourished prepares them
for learning. In Portsmouth we do not use fryolators to prepare
food, and have not for years. We serve fresh fruits daily, and
salads daily at the middle and high school. Offer versus serve
means foods are offered, but students are not required to take
everything we serve. Three of five meal components equal a
meal. For many that means a main dish and milk equal a
lunch. We encourage students to take the fruits and vegetables,
to equal a complete meal, and give you the best deal for your
money. Students who are still hungry are encouraged to return to
the salad bar for added calories and fiber.
The childhood obesity crisis still makes headlines. We are
working with the parents, faculty and community leaders in Portsmouth
to ensure we are partners in education. Wellness committees meet
regularly, and look at the total school environment around food.
Physical activity, Safe Routes to School, daily walks or other
activities for the non-athlete are some of these efforts.
Together, we make a difference in the lives of our children.
Yours truly,
Patricia Laska
School Nutrition Director
return
