Harrison County board raises staff lunch to $5, sets milk price at 50¢

Harrison County Board of Education members voted to raise staff lunch prices from $4 to $5 and set milk sales at 50¢ during their regular meeting, citing federal- and state-related reimbursement levels and simpler cash handling for cafeteria staff. Board members and staff said the combined state reimbursement and USDA entitlement recently reached about $4.90–$4.96 per adult meal, which factored into the decision to raise the adult price to $5 to better match costs and program rules. District officials said many other counties charge $6 or $7 for adult meals but chose $5 for now to ease transactions for staff collecting money. "I'll just go with $5 for now; it's easier on your staff that are collecting money," said Mr. Gibson, a district staff member who spoke during the discussion. Board members also discussed raising milk prices to 50¢ so cash handling would be simpler and to avoid dealing with nickels and dimes. Officials said milk pricing in other counties ranges from about 35¢ to 50¢ or more; the board noted the district participates in a 100% CDP program (the transcript reference: "100% CDP"), which affects how meals and milk are reimbursed. During the discussion, staff explained that when a student selects a reimbursable meal (for example, a main item plus fruit), the district receives full reimbursement for that meal even if the student declines milk; the 50¢ option is presented as a way to simplify purchases and encourage students to try school meals. The motion to approve the price changes passed by voice vote. No recorded roll-call tally was provided in the meeting transcript. The board approved the change as a single action; staff said they will implement the change at the start of the upcoming term and provided guidance to principals and cafeteria managers on handling payments and parental communications.