The Danville Independent School District saw an increase in the number of lunches, breakfasts and after-school snacks during the 2023-24 school year compared to 2022-23, and a significant increase in the number of lunches and breakfasts served through the summer feeding program. 

Food Service Director Tammy Lynn presented these numbers to the Board of Education at the regular board meeting on Feb. 18, which took place at Mary G. Hogsett Primary School. She also shared the Danville Local Wellness Policy 2024-25 and Nutritional and Physical Activity Report Card 2023-24, which are available on danvilleschools.net. 

Between the district's four school buildings, the number of lunches during the 2023-24 school year was 235,647, up 8,232 compared to the previous school year. For breakfasts, the number was 132,254, up 891 compared to the previous year. The number of after school snacks also increased — 6,104 compared to the previous year's 5,749.

As for the Summer Feeding Program, which provides free meals to children over the summer, 16,304 lunches were served after the 2023-24 school year, which was up by 8,712 compared to the summer after the 2022-23 school year. Breakfasts also increased significantly in number — 16,224, up by 12,237 compared to the previous summer.

Lynn attributed the dramatic increase in summer feeding meals served to the way the food service department served the meals. The department served meals two days a week: three on Mondays (breakfast and lunch) and four on Thursdays (breakfast and lunch), at the nine feeding sites. 

"So it was easier for parents to make arrangements," Lynn said.

There were several other updates from the board meeting, including student and staff recognitions, and an update on the Anchor Plaza upcoming construction project. Learn more on danvilleschools.net: Students, staff, educator grant recipients recognized at Board of Education meeting; Board takes steps on upcoming Anchor Plaza project.