AMHERST – Amherst students returned from winter break to a major change in school nutrition. Beginning January 6, the district began offering free breakfast to all K–12 students. The program is funded through the district’s Nutrition Services balance and does not rely on general fund dollars.
Nutrition Services Supervisor Deanne Kelbley, RD, LD, SNS, told the board that strong participation during and after the COVID years helped build a sustainable fund. Ohio’s coverage of reduced-price meals also reduced the district’s overall breakfast costs, allowing Amherst to pay only for the students who would normally be full-price breakfast buyers.
Kelbley shared the update during Monday’s board meeting and introduced a significant student milestone connected to Amherst’s growing focus on nutrition advocacy.
Shyla Plezia, a senior at Marion L. Steele High School, will become the first student to attend the School Nutrition Association’s Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C. Plezia is a founding member and current vice president of the district’s Student Nutrition Advisory Council, a group that has grown steadily since it launched with six students.
She told the board that her experience in the council and a recent visit to the Ohio Statehouse strengthened her interest in public service. She said attending the national conference would help her understand how federal decisions shape school meal programs and allow her to bring that knowledge back to her peers in Amherst.
The district is working with teachers and scholarship opportunities so Plezia can participate in the trip without any out-of-pocket costs.
Kelbley said she hopes the experience deepens student leadership within the advisory council and helps broaden the program for future students.
Board members praised both announcements. They said the free breakfast program and the student advocacy opportunity reflect the district’s commitment to supporting students academically, socially and nutritionally.