School committee approves a la carte price increases for food services to sustain program

The School Committee on Aug. 18 approved recommended price increases for a la carte food‑service items, district staff said. Food‑services staff and the business office presented price adjustments that reflect increased product and labor costs and the loss of a previous grant that subsidized the program. Officials said the district continues to receive state and federal reimbursements for the main student meal (which remains free for the first meal) but that the food‑services revolving account covers secondary items and program operating costs. "We try to keep the main meal affordable, but for some of those other treats or cookies or other things…we have to charge a little bit more for those items to be able to cover the main meals," a presenter said. Committee members confirmed the revolving account funds capital repair needs for the food program (for example, freezer repairs) and that if salaries or other expenses exceed revenues, the operating budget would cover shortfalls. The committee approved the price changes by roll-call vote; the increases will go into effect at the start of school.