Shana Catoe, coordinator of student nutrition for Lexington-Richland School District Five, discussed the district’s current nutrition program.

The program provides breakfast, lunch, supper, after-school snacks and summer meals with the mission to “provide nutritious meals for all students that will enhance their growth and well-being while supporting their learning experience.”

Catoe noted that an administrative review is conducted every five years coordinated by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Most of the funding is reimbursed by the United States Department of Agriculture for meals served. The district currently holds four Farm to School grants and four schools participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

The Farm to School grants help schools increase access to local food in school meals and teach students where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating.

According to the Farm to School website, the program has supported more than 42,000 schools nationwide over the past seven years.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides fresh fruits and produce to students in elementary schools.

Catoe told board members that her team strives to provide the freshest locally grown products possible while following district procurement guidelines which involve securing vendors and purchasing food accordingly.

The department is also required to analyze each menu to ensure it meets nutritional standards. Nurses and staff collaborate to accommodate students with special dietary needs.

Students get involved in a fun way: taste testing. Around 100 students are selected to sample certain items before they are added to the menu.

Staff members in the program are trained early on in food safety, food preparation and nutrition standards.