Carolyn Griffin

Many private schools are committed to ensuring that all students have access to lunch during the school day, including students from families who receive financial assistance or scholarships.

When private schools evaluate lunch programs for the upcoming school year, much of the focus is naturally on food options, pricing, and logistics. One detail that deserves equal attention—but is sometimes overlooked—is the length and structure of the contract.

When families think about a school lunch program, they usually focus on the food — what’s being served, where it comes from, and whether students enjoy it. But behind every lunch that’s delivered, distributed, and eaten on time is a group of school staff members whose work often goes unnoticed.

As planning for summer programs begins, camp directors and school administrators face a familiar challenge: how to provide lunch in a way that’s reliable, simple to manage, and enjoyable for campers.

February is when many private schools begin actively evaluating lunch options for the upcoming school year. Administrators are thinking ahead to the fall and asking an important question: is our current lunch model really working for our school community?