Food service program feels money pinch

The Cherokee County School Board has transferred $750,000 from the budget to help keep the school food service program solvent.

The transfer from budget reserves was done last week to eliminate a $577,000 deficit for the food service department at the end of the 2008- 2009 fiscal year.

Finance director Ben Childs said the deficit has occurred because of higher food and labor costs and longer lag times between government reimbursements for free and reduced-price student meals.

"It will definitely be a challenge to operate the food service program, especially with the higher food and labor costs we are seeing," Childs said. "School food service departments are not designed to turn a profit. Most school districts do well to break even with their meal programs."

Elementary schools charge students 80 cents for breakfast at all schools. Student lunch prices are $1.30 for elementary schools, $1.40 for middle schools and $1.60 for high schools.

School districts receive much of their revenue from federal government reimbursements. About 61 percent of county students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals under federal family income guidelines.

The district is reimbursed $2.70 per meal for students who qualify for free and reduced price lunches. In comparison, the district only receives 27 cents for students who eat a regular price meal.

"It is very difficult to turn a profit while keeping meal prices affordable," said Roland Cabading, district food service supervisor. "Our goal is to serve the students, support the education process and operate a food service program that breaks even."

The school district is still waiting for reimbursements from meals served in a summer lunch program at nine local sites. The district served an average of 800 students per week this summer, compared to 200 students in 2008.

Alma, Mary Bramlett and Luther Vaughan elementary schools are taking part in a fresh fruit and vegetable program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In the coming months, Cabading said the school district plans to introduce chicken tetrazinni and other new pasta items in schools.

"We hope this will go over well when we serve it to students in schools this year," Cabading said. "We are trying some new things in an effort to encourage students to eat healthier meals in school."