Fresh food options took center stage at the St. Francis Area Schools Board meeting, with board members and community members advocating for healthier school lunches. The discussion highlighted a growing concern over the prevalence of processed foods in student meals, with calls for more fresh produce to be included in the menu.

Board member Annette John expressed her desire for increased fresh food availability, stating, "I would like to see more fresh foods available in our school lunches." This sentiment was echoed by others who noted the impact of diet on student behavior and performance. One board member shared feedback from teachers about struggles in the classroom that may be linked to the types of food served at lunch.

While the board approved a contract with a prime vendor for food supplies, concerns about the quality of offerings remained. Board members acknowledged the financial challenges of sourcing fresh foods but emphasized the importance of making gradual improvements. "If we could at least start making those baby steps forward... that would be tremendous," one member remarked.

The district's Nutrition Services Director reassured attendees that fresh produce is sourced through a separate contract with the Department of Defense, which provides American-grown fruits and vegetables. However, the conversation underscored a collective desire to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals, with board members committed to exploring further options and advocating for better funding for school nutrition programs.

As the meeting concluded, the board's unanimous approval of the vendor contract marked a step forward, but the dialogue around improving food quality in schools is expected to continue, reflecting a community increasingly invested in the health and well-being of its students.