Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District Unit President Cindy Neumann greets students at the register during lunch.
RAVENA — Rising inflation and potential federal cuts to nutrition programs are raising alarm bells for CSEA members working at school districts.
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District Unit President Cindy Neumann, a senior cook, is responsible for more than 400 meals a day for middle school students.
Currently, lunches at the school are free due to the high percentage of district families in need based on income thresholds. Five to 7% of school district budgets are comprised of federal monies and that includes nutrition programs like free and reduced lunches. A complex mix of state and federal formulas informs which districts and families are eligible, and coverage shifts between full coverage for all students or need-based coverage for students that families must apply for.
Neumann, who has worked in food service for 28 years, has seen the swings when program fundings change.
“When lunches are free, we will serve between 240-280 lunches per day and up to 150 breakfasts,” said Neumann. “When the free lunch programs end and families must apply, those numbers drop to under 200 lunches and 100 breakfasts,”
Neumann said she theorizes that some eligible families may be too ashamed to apply.
Neumann has lived in the district since the late 1970s and put two daughters through the school, so she’s very aware of need in the semi-rural district that covers parts of Albany and Greene counties.
“There are people working two to three jobs to make ends meet,” said Neumann. “Myself, I work a second job and pick up extra work with summer programs and other school programs.”
Neumann’s day starts at 5:30 a.m. with prepping meals and serving breakfasts. By 11 a.m., lunch is ready and Neumann jumps on the register.
After lunch, she’s back prepping for the next day and will leave breakfast sandwiches in the refrigerator so they are ready to go in the morning.
Neumann loves to bake and is most proud of her homemade stuffing that is served on “Turkey & Gravy Day.” Pizza is always popular, but the top choice for middle schoolers is Nacho Day.
Lunch Aide Nickie Traver works behind the counter at lunch.
With the impact of inflation hurting family budgets and now a global tariff war, Yale University’s Budget Lab estimates an overall 2.8 percent increase in groceries over the next months, with more nutritious foods like produce seeing the largest increases.
Global supply chain tariffs on products manufactured outside the United States will translate to middle-income families taking an additional hit of $3,400 a year to family budgets, based on the Yale estimates.
Neumann said she feels better knowing that some kids are getting two meals at school but she’s mindful of the times outside of school.
“We have kids who over breaks will not have many meals,” said Neumann.
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District Unit President Cindy Neumann helps prepare school meals as a senior cook.
Local pantries and other programs help to bridge the gap, but those programs are stretched thin. She knows the kids on her line, as well as their families, and she worries about them.
“I served their parents when they were in middle school,” said Neumann.
Neumann sees the impacts of generational poverty and shares a deep connection to her neighbors.
“I always worry about the kids,” said Neumann. “They’re my kids.”
— Therese Assalian
