06-03-2025
Feeding the need for nutrition services
Mar. 6—Once the Lodi Unified School District incorporates a seven-period day at its high schools, there will be a need for more employees in its food nutrition services division.
During the district's board of education meeting Tuesday, division director Betty Crocker proposed adding some 31 new positions to ensure students receive meals at every campus, as well as during after school programs.
Crocker said six of the new positions would be supervisors, and 22 would be cafeteria managers and assistants. Other proposed positions include a buyer, an equipment technician and a child nutrition technician, she said.
In addition, 20 existing positions will be extended to 12-month employees.
"We want to synchronize our staffing and extend some of our calendars to 12 months to support program growth,' Crocker said. "This is directly to establish career pathways and professional development for team member advancement, and with this, comes a naturally sustainable staffing and consistent coverage for all of our programs."
Crocker said existing staff will be given first priority in applying for the positions, which will be funded through AB 130.
The bill was adopted in 2021 and requires all public and charter schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.
The positions are estimated to cost about $2.8 million, which will be taken out of $7.8 million from the Universal Meals Program implemented under AB 130 and allocated to the district. Crocker said failure to invest in the program would result in that $7.8 million being returned to the state,
"These positions are much needed for our district and for nutrition services," employee Robin Turner said. "These are great positions and they will provide advancement opportunities for current employees."
Last month, the board unanimously approved implementing a seven-period schedule at Lodi, Tokay and Bear Creek high schools, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, in an effort to boost student achievement.
"I think its so important, nutrition for kids," board member Courtney Porter said. "The data is there, that well-fed kids do better in school. And (Crocker) is a big part of that. You and your team. I also like the fact we're not giving $7 million away. We're putting it back in the system and keeping it local."
Board member Joe Nava agreed.
"It's a monumental job that you have," he told Crocker. "And as long as you get all these kids fed, we're on top of things. I know it's being done. I've visited some of the schools, and what a nutritional service they have."
