Food Service Director Aaron McClung provided Caldwell County school board members with an overview of the district’s food service during his school nutrition report Tuesday night.
According to McClung, the district has four full-service cafeterias.
click to download audioIn addition, McClung informed the board that the district’s food service operates as a self-supported Fund 51, receiving federal reimbursement for the meals served to students. McClung further mentioned that he has already received the commodity amount for the upcoming year, which has increased by $13,000.
click to download audioAs a newcomer to the role of Food Service Director, McClung emphasized his commitment to evolving and staying up-to-date with activity standards while ensuring the proper maintenance of equipment.
Regarding the report card, McClung informed the board that a nutrient analysis will be conducted by the state at the elementary school during the week of April 8th.
Furthermore, McClung acknowledged that the district’s lunch and breakfast participation is currently strong. However, he emphasized their continuous desire to improve, as serving more lunches directly correlates to increased funding, which ultimately is their goal.
McClung reported that the reimbursement rates for the district have increased by approximately $14,000 compared to the three-year average from last year.
click to download audioMcClung highlighted that the district’s wellness plan, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which he uses as a guide has three areas of improvement that he is addressing.
click to download audioAs far as the program’s needs, McClung expressed that there is a constant need for additional substitutes in the cafeteria.
click to download audioWhen questioned about the impact of inflation on the food service, McClung acknowledged that costs have indeed increased. However, he reassured the board members that reimbursements have also risen, and the financial situation is currently stable. Nevertheless, McClung cautioned that if the current inflation trend persists, they may need to implement tighter measures, but he emphasized that the food service is currently in a good position financially.