When school is in session, Van Wert City Schools’ food services department is bustling. Last year alone, the district served over 250,000 meals.
At a recent school board meeting, Food Services Director John Marquez shared some impressive numbers for the 2024-2025 school year: 187,423 lunches and 69,232 breakfasts. He emphasized the importance of these meals, saying, “These numbers show strong participation and how essential our program is for families.”
On average, the schools provide about 1,400 meals each day, with the elementary school serving the most. Almost 99,000 free lunches and around 20,000 reduced-price lunches were distributed, with free breakfasts being particularly significant.
Marquez highlighted that their work goes beyond just serving food. Proper nutrition plays a key role in students’ academic success, attendance, and emotional health. Many kids rely on school meals as their main source of nutrition, and the staff takes that responsibility seriously.
“School meals can be the most nutritious lunch for many students,” he noted. “We may not know their home situations, but we ensure they receive a healthy meal that meets federal guidelines.”
A vital aspect of their program is inclusivity. Every child gets a meal, regardless of their account balance. “No child goes hungry,” Marquez insisted. “Even if a student has no money, they still get fed without being singled out. This commitment is central to our values.”
During the meeting, Board Vice-President Julie Burenga raised concerns about last year’s $1,800 shortfall from unpaid meals. Marquez explained how the Van Wert Moose Lodge had previously helped cover negative balances, alongside staff members who contribute to offset these costs.
The food services operate as a self-funded, non-profit entity. They rely on federal and state reimbursements, meal sales, and à la carte purchases, maintaining independence from the school district’s general fund.
Moreover, a recent survey from the National School Lunch Program indicates that nearly 30 million children benefit from school lunches each day across the United States. This aligns with Marquez’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals. As schools evolve, food programs like this are vital for supporting students in and out of the classroom. For more information, you can visit the National School Lunch Program’s website here.
In summary, Van Wert City Schools exemplifies how important school meal programs are for student well-being and educational success. Each meal served is a step toward nurturing healthier, happier futures for all children.
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