Killeen ISD’s School Nutrition Department is being recognized with a “District of Excellence” award for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals throughout the school day and beyond.
The recognition comes as Killeen ISD has expanded its Supper Program districtwide, now offering students across 49 campuses access to a healthy meal at no cost before heading home for the evening. The program, which averaged about 1,000 suppers served weekly during its initial rollout last year, has grown to more than 33,600 meals served each week. On average, about 6,720 students participate daily.
Through an innovative service model integrated into the school schedule, students are able to receive supper immediately following the instructional day while remaining engaged in enrichment activities, tutoring programs, athletics, and other after-school opportunities on campus.
Anisah Brown, director of school nutrition at Killeen ISD, said the initiative was designed to help remove barriers to food access and create greater equity for students and families.
“While many students may qualify for free meals, district leaders recognized that not every child has equal access to after-school nutrition opportunities due to transportation, schedules, athletics, or family circumstances,” Brown said. “By bringing supper directly to students before they leave campus, Killeen ISD is helping ensure more children are nourished and prepared for success. Meeting students where they are both physically and operationally has played a significant role in the program’s success.
Brown added that the program’s success has come from taking a strategic, campus-by-campus approach focused on student access and flexibility. The department evaluates dismissal times, transportation routes, and campus operations to ensure meal service is convenient and accessible for students.
“Killeen ISD has been incredibly innovative in the way they approach student nutrition,” said Schelli Avant, partnership manager with Dairy MAX. “The school nutrition team is always enthusiastic about finding creative ways to better serve students and families. Their leadership and willingness to think differently are making a measurable impact.”
As districts across Texas continue searching for scalable ways to increase student meal participation and support student well-being beyond the school day, Killeen ISD’s model is drawing statewide attention for both its scale and adaptability. Dairy MAX plans to bring partners and education leaders to Killeen ISD later this month to observe the program firsthand and learn from the district’s approach.
The program has also demonstrated significant operational sustainability. Increased participation has helped generate additional program revenue, allowing the district to support staffing growth and strengthen operations while continuing to serve students at a high level.
In support of the initiative, Dairy MAX, on behalf of local dairy farmers, awarded Killeen ISD $31,500 in grant funding last spring to purchase equipment needed to launch and operationalize the program. Due to the program’s success and positive impact, Dairy MAX is now providing an additional $25,000 in grant funding to further expand and strengthen the district’s efforts.
Killeen ISD is also participating in a Whole Milk Pilot under the National Dairy Council, helping evaluate how expanded milk options may support student satisfaction, participation, and nutrient intake within school meal programs. The pilot reflects the district’s continued commitment to innovation and student wellness.
Killeen ISD remains committed to supporting the whole child by removing barriers to learning and creating opportunities for students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.