Anchorage approves $7.5 million transfer to cover a Student Nutrition funding shortfall

What happened

The School Board approved a $7.5 million transfer from the General Fund to the Student Nutrition Fund after federal meal reimbursements fell short of projections. The district served more than 3.6 million meals in FY2026—18% more than three years earlier—but Student Nutrition revenue was nearly $9 million below budget.

Why it matters to families

The transfer covers a major gap in the districtwide school-meal program and redirects General Fund money to keep the program funded; the recap reports that the district will continue reviewing its forecasts and oversight.

The evidence

The district’s November 2, 2026 recap says the Board approved ASD Memorandum #059 by a 6-0 vote as part of $11,832,499 in end-of-year FY2025-26 budget transfers. It identifies a proposed $7.5 million General Fund transfer for lower-than-anticipated Student Nutrition revenue; Student Nutrition spending was about $1.9 million below plan. The recap cites expanded access to free meals and changes in federal reimbursement as factors in the shortfall.

The source