The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met this week and unanimously approved a change in the district’s nutrition services provider. Beginning in January, the district will transition from its current vendor, Southwest Foodservice Excellence, to Chartwells K‑12 for the spring semester.
Reason for the switch
District officials explained that Southwest Foodservice Excellence announced it would separate from the district in the middle of the school year, prompting the board to act quickly to secure a reliable partner for the remainder of the academic calendar. Chartwells K‑12, a nationally recognized provider of school nutrition programs, was selected after a review of its ability to meet the district’s standards for quality, safety, and cost‑effectiveness.
Impact on students and families
Board members emphasized that the vendor change will not affect the meals students receive. “Our top priority is ensuring that every child continues to have access to nutritious, balanced meals,” said Board Chairperson Jane Doe. “Chartwells K‑12 has committed to maintaining the same menu options and dietary accommodations that families rely on.”
Parents can expect the same breakfast and lunch offerings, including hot entrees, salads, fruits, and dairy options, as well as accommodations for students with allergies or special dietary needs. The district will continue to follow Nevada’s nutrition guidelines and will monitor the transition closely to address any concerns that arise.
Community response
Local parents and community members expressed relief that the board acted swiftly to avoid any disruption. “I’m glad the board found a solution quickly,” said Mark Stevens, a parent of two elementary‑school students. “It’s important that our kids don’t miss a beat when it comes to their meals.”
School administrators will hold informational sessions for families in February to introduce Chartwells K‑12 staff, review menu changes (if any), and answer questions about the new service model.
Next steps
The district’s procurement team will work with Chartwells K‑12 over the next several weeks to finalize contracts, train cafeteria staff, and ensure a seamless handover. The board will receive regular updates on the transition’s progress and will evaluate the partnership at the end of the school year.
By securing a new vendor promptly, the Washoe County School District demonstrates its commitment to stable, high‑quality nutrition services that support student health and academic success.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
