Sayreville Schools Report Rising Meal Participation and Expanded Menu Options
SAYREVILLE, NJ – The Sayreville Board of Education recently reviewed the Food Services budget and departmental updates for the 2025–2026 school year, highlighting increased student participation and menu changes across the district. The presentation was delivered by Nicholas Cittadino, Director of Food Services and School Nutrition.
Cittadino presented data showing a measurable rise in daily meal totals compared to last year. Participation increased 7.5 percent at Sayreville War Memorial High School, 2.25 percent at Sayreville Middle School, and 2.95 percent at Sayreville Upper Elementary School.
In October alone, the district served 90,528 meals, averaging 4,310 meals per day. That marked the highest monthly total of the fall semester, compared to 67,757 meals in September and 60,734 in November.
Funding the Program
District officials explained that the food services program operates through a federal reimbursement structure. For every free lunch served, the district receives $4.60, while paid lunches are reimbursed at $0.44.
Breakfast reimbursements follow a similar model. The district receives $2.94 for each free breakfast and $0.40 for each paid breakfast.
The reimbursement system plays a central role in balancing the department’s operating budget. Participation levels directly impact how much federal funding the district receives.
Menu Changes at the Middle School
In addition to participation data, Cittadino outlined menu updates at the middle school level. The presentation described what he called a “transformation” in offerings.
New “Main Bite” entrees now include Chicken Tinga, tacos, and meatball subs. Students have also been introduced to items from the Rich Chicks brand, including artisan whole grain breaded tenders and boneless muscle wings.
The menu has expanded to include chicken meatball varieties such as Roasted Garlic Basil and Mango Jalapeño. A dedicated pizza station now offers options including Buffalo Chicken, Meat Lovers, and a Bacon Scramble breakfast pizza.
