School Board Renews Chartwell’s Food Service Contract

By Eliza Hallabeck

The price of school lunches will be raised for the next school year because Chartwells, the company that supplies food for most of the school system in Newtown, is losing money. The company’s contract renewal came under scrutiny at last week’s Board of Education meeting and was approved despite its financial problems.

This will be the town’s fifth year using Chartwells’ services. Daniel L Shields, director for the dining services for Chartwells, said money is tight for several reasons. Children can be advanced food when they do not have money, missed school days mean a loss of revenue for the day, and raising gas prices across the country are making food more expensive everywhere.

The Board of Education’s decision to renew the contract means the price of school lunches will be rising. In elementary schools the price will be raised from $2.15 to $2.25, at the middle school the price for lunch will be raised from $2.30 to $2.50, and at the high school the price will be raised from $2.65 to $2.75 with another $3 option, according to the district’s business manager, Ron Bienkowski. 

“We want to partner with you and are willing to work with you,” Mr Shields told the Board of Education.

Multiple members of the board said they had heard complaints regarding food that had been served to children at the Newtown Middle School last week.

Mr Shields said another client was interested in seeing how Chartwells prepares and serves food to the students. The lunch menu was switched at the last minute to demonstrate the healthier options that Chartwells can provide for students. Some of the food that was missing included Rice Crispy Treats.

Superintendent Janet Robinson said she was unaware of the change before it took place.

“I would really suggest that they shouldn’t mess with the students,” to acquire another client, board member Lillian Bittman said in response.

When asked why the contract with the St Rose School was terminated earlier this year, Mr Shields said it was due to the construction issues for the parish hall.

Board Chairman Elaine McClure said she was interested in finding a protocol that could be put into place to ensure Chartwells does not lose more money in the future.

“We thought we had a plan this year,” said Mr Shields. He said little losses add up fast, and increasing the cost of lunch should compensate for the difference.