By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Milk, a relatively small part of a student’s day, was a big topic of discussion at Monday night’s USD 489 Board of Education meeting.
“We basically have three options,” said Jessica Younker, director of nutrition services.
Bids came back from two vendors, but in a surprise move one of the vendors put in a fixed price bid — usually only escalator bids, which change the price to the district with changes in milk prices — are received.
But with the options from the two companies, only one was viable.
“When it really comes down to it, vendor B, they did not meet our specifications for delivery. We specified three times a week based on our refrigeration space, and they indicated they would only deliver twice a week.”
With vendor B being knocked out of the running, vendor A — the company that put in both the fixed price and escalator bids — was the only option.
The board voted unanimously to allow Highland Dairy to continue providing milk to the district, but before that vote was cast, the board was not yet done analyzing nutrition costs in the district.
After questioning about food prices from board member Josh Waddell, Younker said poultry and egg prices are up, but other food costs are down.
“We’ll be looking at our menus and adjusting as needed,” Younker said. “Our breakfast menu especially.”
She noted surveys have been instrumental in making some changes, but some of those changes made might be changed back in order to keep food costs down.
Waddell also questioned the how the district was handling federal government mandates on school food programs.
“We still hear a lot of families look down upon the new mandates from the federal government with our lunch programs and food programs in general,” he said, asking Younker if everything is “where it should be.”
“Our participation is over 80 percent,” Younker said, noting other schools are closer to 60 percent. SHe said it is an indication students are happy with menu options.
“We are doing fairly well compared to other districts,” she said, adding “we are looking to keep our students and staff happy.”
Waddell questioned further wondering how much latitude she had in making program changes.
“The industry is catching up to the regulations, so there’s definitely better things coming out.”