How the pandemic changed school food service

Courtesy of federal government waivers, Oconee public school children are going to continue to eat free through the end of the year and into next year.  April Howe of the school district’s food service provider Sodexo made the announcement at last night’s board of trustees meeting.  The free meals will also be extended to this summer’s feeding program.  While breakfast and lunch are being served free, there’s not exactly a stampede by the students to devour them, as Howe explained.  And she gave reasons why in an evaluation of how COVID-19 has changed student meal participation.  The pre-packaging of foods, as a health safeguard against virus spread, is one reason.  Howe also believes the lack of socialization among the students, is another reason.  There were some encouraging numbers, however, when it comes to school breakfast for elementary students.  Their participation numbers are up.  The food service director left the trustees with the hope that, during the next school year, students may enjoy meals in the cafeterias.