Government shutdown could negatively impact food programs in Newton schools

The U.S. government shutdown may negatively impact food programs across the country, including those utilized by Newton Community School District. Food Service Supervisor Julie Miller said it is highly likely Head Start programs could close, which affects the bottom line of the school district.

“We feed those Head Start students three times a day,” Miller said. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program funding, however, comes from a completely different pot of money, so that program is safe. So we’ll still be able to provide snacks to all elementary students twice a week. Which is good.”

Miller said the school district has been assured there is enough funding to reimburse Newton for meals eaten during the month of October.

“But that’s all they can tell us at this point in time,” Miller said.

As of Oct. 9, more than half of the Newton school district’s enrollment — 51.5 percent — is utilizing free or reduced meals. Miller said Emerson Hough is at 55.6 percent, Thomas Jefferson is at 52.4 percent and Woodrow Wilson 64.5 percent. Berg Middle School is at 52.5 percent.

Newton High School is at 44.9 percent, WEST Academy is at 76.2 percent and the Newton Christian School is at 25 percent. Miller said she is processing free or reduced applications as soon as she receives them. Of note, at the start of every school year there is a carry over period for free or reduced eligibility.

“That expired on Oct. 3,” Miller said. “We have 90 students on that list whose eligibility has expired and they are now paid students because Infinite Campus automatically switches that over due to USDA policy. Their parents have yet to complete a free or reduced application for this school year.”

Before the carry over deadline expired, Miller said she reached out to parents every week for four weeks in a row reminding them to fill out their new free or reduced application. Miller said she is trying her best to get families to complete those applications and ensure their inclusion in the program.

Currently, the Newton Community School District’s total negative balance for school meals is around $9,400 so far. Miller said about $8,000 of that total is made up of student lunches while $1,000 is from staff lunches. Families who have certain negative balances in their meal accounts are notified by staff.