The food service May 2026 report explains that the district’s food service fund is negative and that federal rules require a Paid Lunch Equity calculation, leading to proposed increases in meal prices for 2026–27 (e.g., breakfast to 1.95, K–4 lunch to 3.10, 9–12 lunch to 3.35). It also notes that the district has OPI approval to operate a summer meal program in June, including a large one-day distribution on June 17 where about 250+ children will receive 20 meals each (approximately 5,000 meals total), and invites volunteers to assist. Additionally, the Greater Ravalli Foundation is providing 3000 to cover reduced-price breakfasts and help families pay down meal debt. Though no explicit RFP is mentioned, this level of programming and financial pressure indicates the district may seek more efficient food sourcing, logistics, or external partners to manage costs while maintaining service levels. Vendors in K–12 food supply, meal packaging, routing/logistics, and grant support can approach the district with options to reduce unit costs for large-scale summer distributions, improve collection processes, or add donated/discounted items for at-risk students.

Program uses an OPI-approved summer operating program; logistics for 5,000-meal distribution may be ...