Approved Minutes of January 24, 2024

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH January 24, 2024 Program is seeking additional support, particularly new host locations. In response to Dr. Nickelson's question, Ms. Pitts said there are specific requirements for host sites, and locations that are within walking distance of schools were preferred to increase access. • Prior to the pandemic, about 40% of OCS students were receiving free or reduced lunch. This figure dropped during the pandemic, as all students were made eligible to be fed at no cost without a waiver. Now that the school system has returned to normal operations, 49.6% of students are receiving free or reduced lunch. • In response to Dr. Rodger's question about students who are "in-between" financially (i.e., whose families make too much to qualify for free/reduced lunch but not enough to afford to pay for daily lunch), Ms. Pitts said that the Board of Education (BOE) takes nutrition seriously and that no child in OCS will be denied a meal. She explained that there are "Angel Accounts" that parents can donate to in order to offset the cost of meals for students in need and that any existing lunch debt at the end of the year is paid off with the school system's "fun" budget. Dr. Dreher added that if a student was consistently needing assistance to afford lunch, they would refer them to the school social workers to evaluate if that student might need additional support. Dr. Nickelson clarified whether students receiving meal assistance have the same menu as other students, to which Ms. Pitts replied yes and that all students receive 2-4 meal options. • Other supplemental food services available include a drive-through service at Weaver Street Market to collect fruits, vegetables, and nonperishable goods; PORCH food boxes, which can be delivered by social workers or picked up by families; and a "Backpack Buddy" program offered by local churches where children receive a backpack full of healthy food. There is also a food pantry at Hillsborough Middle School where emergency boxes can be filled. Orange Congregations In Mission (OCIM) also provides support for families in crisis. Dr. Pickett shared that the Hillsborough Community Garden supports PORCH and is looking for volunteers. • The BOE requires that healthy food standards be upheld until 30 minutes after the final bell. This means that all food available in the cafeteria, in vending machines on school grounds, and served for class and school events is required to meet nutritional standards. In response to Dr. Rodgers' question, Ms. Pitts affirmed that all food served on school premises is required to be commercially prepared to protect students from potential food poisoning outbreaks and reduce the chances of allergen contamination. • Mr. Bagby expressed that he is concerned about the specifics of the school menus, as there has been news emerging in surrounding counties that school nutrition policies were allowing for meals that were unhealthy. Dr. Jonnal echoed this concern, saying that she previously did a deep dive into nutrition and found that many of the USDA guidelines are influenced by corporations and cash crops. Mr. Bagby stated that he wishes to monitor school food in Orange County and ensure that it is balanced in regard to recommended daily intake. Ms. Pitts explained that that all the meal plans follow the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Regulations, and that OCS is overseen by the NC Department of Public Instruction with prescribed ratios for carbs, fat, sodium, etc. and that all vending machines follow Smart Snack Compliance—though they cannot control how many of the items each student eats. She added that Mr. Bagby was welcome to follow up with her for specifics. • In response to Dr. Jonnal's question about to what degree the students have access to whole and healthy foods, Ms. Pitts explained that OCS is currently working with an Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) grant, allowing them to purchase more locally sourced and farm-fresh foods — however, cost is still a limitation, especially when purchasing healthier foods. She added that there is a balancing act between what is healthy for students and what they will actually eat. Dr. Royce expressed concern that S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda&Abstracts\2024 Agenda&Abstracts/ January Page 6