Food Services Chartwells, Newton’s Food Service Management Company, continues to be an engaged and collaborative partner with NPS as we work to continuously improve the student experience and address the challenges and opportunities of operating the Child Nutrition Program in Newton’s 23 sites - 21 schools plus NECP and the Ed Center. We have added Breakfast After the Bell at 11 elementary schools this fall providing breakfast from 8:10 to 8:30, which has expanded early food access to support focused learning for students. We have also amended the elementary, half-day lunch process to provide lunch to students during the school day by delivering lunch to the classroom. Wednesday lunch participation has increased from an average 450 to 1250 lunches each half day. NPS, Chartwells, and Newton DPW have partnered this fall to successfully implement back-of- house recycling and food diversion programs in each kitchen. All hard plastic, metal, and cardboard is now being successfully recycled and food that can no longer be served to students is being diverted for composting pickup. These sustainability moves are reducing the food service carbon footprint through active management of these resources. There is wide community interest to divert more food waste through share tables and other possible food reuse programs. NPS is looking at ways to support these initiatives, which would require a steady cadre of volunteers to work in schools to embed consistent student practice to ensure that the composting streams are clean. Governor Healy’s commitment to sustaining universally free meals for all students has been critical to program financial viability. The state component of the monthly reimbursement revenue is approximately 69%, without which Newton’s program would have to change significantly. The State’s ability to continue to support this program will be shaped by federal plans for the Child Nutrition Program.
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