News Summary
Laurens County School District 55 has announced significant updates to its nutrition program. Under the leadership of re-elected Board Chair Cathy Little, the district’s nutrition team is set to serve over 7,300 meals daily. Notable initiatives include free breakfast and lunch for students through the Community Eligibility Provision, and a recent grant for fresh produce. The board is also planning equipment upgrades to enhance the dining experience, ensuring students receive nutritious meals while minimizing food waste.
Laurens County School District 55 Gets a Nutrition Overhaul
In the heart of Laurens, the Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD55) is not just making headlines for their educational initiatives but also for their exciting plans aimed at improving student nutrition. The school board recently held its first regular meeting of 2025, and the discussions couldn’t have been more engaging!
Leadership Changes to Kick Off the New Year
The board kicked things off by shaking up their leadership. Cathy Little was re-elected as Board Chair after a close vote of 5-2, showcasing that her colleagues trust her expertise and vision. Meanwhile, Tabitha Keitt stepped up as Vice Chair after being nominated and approved for the crucial role. However, things were a little different for Peggy Nance, who declined the nomination for Board Secretary. This opened the door for Chip Jenkins, who will now take charge in that position.
Nutrition Updates That Could Change the Game
One of the most anticipated segments of the meeting was the update from Wanda Knight, the Director of Student Nutrition. Knight painted a vibrant picture of the district’s nutrition program, indicating that the dedicated team of 88 members serves up an impressive average of 7,300 meals each day. This includes both breakfast and lunch, making sure that students start their day energized and equipped for learning.
In the summer of 2024, they really stepped it up, serving a whopping 51,291 meals through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), ensuring that kids had access to healthy food even when school was out. Additionally, recognizing the challenge of food insecurity in the area, the district has been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means students will enjoy free breakfast and lunch for at least four more years. It’s a huge leap forward in making sure no child goes hungry!
Rising to the Challenge During Emergencies
In light of recent events, Knight also shared how the nutrition team became a lifeline during emergencies. After Hurricane Helene, they delivered more than 24,840 meals, ensuring that affected families had nourishment. On an e-learning day caused by inclement weather in January, the team managed to serve 6,078 breakfasts and lunches, highlighting their commitment to keeping students fed even when classes aren’t in session.
Fresh Initiatives and Progress Ahead
The board appeared particularly excited as Knight broke the news about a recent grant received by the nutrition department, totaling $126,837.95. This funding will be used to introduce a range of fresh fruits and vegetables into school menus, giving kids healthier choices right at their fingertips. And with the implementation of share tables, they aim to combat food waste while helping students in need to get extra nourishment.
Upgrades to Enhance the Dining Experience
But it doesn’t stop there! The board has big plans for equipment upgrades, including new serving lines, refrigerated units, and updated cafeteria furniture across various schools. Plus, a central freezer will soon be installed at the District Office to improve food supply management and minimize waste during emergencies. It’s all about creating a smoother, more efficient operation.
Looking to the Future
As the meeting came to a close, the board reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the way nutrition is delivered in schools. They recognize that safeguarding financial resources and investing in quality education go hand in hand with ensuring that students have access to wholesome meals. The future looks bright for Laurens County students, and it all starts with good food and strong leadership!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Laurens County’s Growing Food Pantry: First United Methodist Church Takes Charge
Additional Resources
- Golaurens: Little Reelected as Chair of District 55 Board of Trustees
- Google Search: Laurens County School District nutrition
- Fox Carolina: Report on Mismanagement in Laurens 55 School District
- Wikipedia: School nutrition
- Golaurens: Laurens County School Districts Offering Summer Feeding Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Lunch
- Norman Transcript: Free School Meals Return for the Summer Session
- Google News: School nutrition programs
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
