Iola students can continue to eat free school meals next year.
USD 257 school board members approved a request from Staci Talkington, food service director, to continue the free meal program.
“Last year, I wasn’t sure I was for it,” Talkington said. “But I’ve seen a difference.”
More students ate school meals this past year. Before the free meal program, 37% of students ate breakfast and 52% had lunch. By the end of the school year, 41% of students were eating breakfast and 59% had lunch.
“I think numbers will continue to go up,” Talkington said.
She noted it has taken time to educate students and families about the free meal program. She cited an example of a student whose family couldn’t afford the cost of meals. It took months for staff to convince the student that it was OK to eat meals at school, and their family would not be charged.
A school nurse and secretary offered examples of students who complain about a headache. Often, that student is going hungry. They give them a meal and the problem is often resolved.
Student debt also has been reduced by half. Before switching to the free meals program, the district had about $6,700 in student debt from past-due meal costs and various fees such as for textbooks. Local businesses donated $3,400 to offset the cost for seniors so they could graduate.
This year, the district had $3,400 in student debt from textbook fees and the like, and received $600 in donations, mostly to allow seniors to graduate.
The free meal program hasn’t cost the district any additional money, Talkington said. As long as the district meets certain criteria, the program is paid by the Community Eligiblity Provision, a federal program through the USDA.
The school board approved continuation of the free meal program, though board member Tony Leavitt asked what is being done to improve meal quality. Federal nutrition guidelines limit what food service provider OPAA! can make. Superintendent Stacey Fager said Talkington and OPAA! staff seek waivers when possible and offer options that are more likely to appeal to students.
ADULT MEAL prices, though, will be increased. The free meal program doesn’t apply to faculty, staff or visiting adults such as parents, grandparents and guardians.
The cost for breakfast will increase by 5 cents to $3.20. Lunch prices will jump significantly, from $4.65 to $5.10.
Memorial garden at IES
School board members approved spending up to $15,000 for a memorial garden at Iola Elementary School.