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Board reviews modest meal price increases for 2025–26; free/CEP meals unaffected
Summary
Henrico announced modest increases to full-price student breakfast and lunch for the next school year, while free and CEP-eligible students will continue receiving meals at no charge; board members asked about nutrition quality and staff costs.
Henrico County Public Schools staff presented proposed nominal increases to full-price student meal prices for the 2025–26 school year and said students eligible for free meals and schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will not be charged.
The proposed changes would raise the student breakfast price by $0.25 to $1.75 and increase full-price lunch by $0.10 to $3.00. Staff said the district had delayed increases in prior years despite inflation and that these modest changes are intended for partial cost recovery; the presenter noted current prices would remain at or below many neighboring divisions’ current rates.
Board members asked for clarification about coverage and quality. The superintendent and staff confirmed that free and reduced-price eligible students and students in CEP schools receive meals at no charge and that the nutrition program follows federal guidelines for fat, sugar and salt content. Miss Atkins requested an update to the board on nutrition quality and initiatives to encourage selection of fruits and vegetables; staff said they would provide an update on nutrition efforts.
Staff said the nutrition services fund is largely supported by federal funds, with a small state portion and no local tax support, and that the fund covers labor costs—nutrition services employs roughly 500 people, staff said. Questions about adult meal pricing and price elasticity were raised; staff noted adult meal prices are used for cost recovery and that volume is limited compared with student participation.
