Good news: Better food brings lunchroom profits

NORTH CANAAN — An odd accounting issue, stemming from years of lunch program deficits at North Canaan Elementary School (NCES), was resolved with a motion Nov. 16 by the school board.

While it ultimately did not require spending any money, there is better news in that the program seems to be holding steady in the black.

Board members reviewed a report that shows about a $300 per month profit since the beginning of this school year. It follows a good year before it, with assurances that two main goals are being met: the program remains self-sustaining and students are offered a healthy menu.

The issue has long been about striking a balance between what children will eat and what’s good for them. Unfortunately, it is the prepackaged snack foods that carry the largest profit margin.

Years of  professional consultations, committee research and feedback from parents and students led to additions such as a salad bar and, at the very least, nutritional awareness.  

But there is only so much guidance that can be given in the cafeteria. And any parent knows their advice is not always what guides a child through the lunch line. It has always been a compromise.

NCES may have finally hit on a good formula with menu guidance from the state’s healthy food certification nutrition standards. Those standards extend to any food sold in the school, including in vending machines and at fundraisers.

Complying with certification standards gives the school 10 cents per meal, whether paid, free or at reduced cost.

The average number of lunches served per day is 178. That’s just about half of the student population of around 330, plus school teachers and staff. About 22 percent of students receive free or reduced cost lunches.