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Board raises adult school‑meal price to $5 to comply with USDA rule; student meal programs unchanged
Summary
To comply with USDA rules prohibiting federal fund subsidies for adult meals, the board raised the adult lunch price from $4.50 to $5; staff said student meal programs and community eligibility remain in place for the 2025–26 school year.
The board approved an increase to the adult school‑lunch price from $4.50 to $5.00 on July 29 after food‑service staff said federal rules prevent using USDA reimbursement funds to subsidize adult meals.
Shaney Hall, director of Student Nutrition Services, explained that participating in the National School Lunch Program requires the district to set adult meal prices that cover the cost of providing a meal. The increase is intended to ensure federal funds are not used to subsidize adult diners. Hall said the district will continue to provide free breakfast systemwide and free lunch at eligible CEP schools and that staff will promote dinner programs and pantry services to help families facing food insecurity.
Why it matters: the change affects adult visitors, volunteers and staff who purchase meals on campus but does not change student pricing or benefits. Staff noted ongoing concerns about food insecurity; district staff said Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) coverage and school dinner programs will maintain student access to meals.
Board action: the motion to raise the adult lunch price passed unanimously.
Next steps: Nutrition Services will implement the price change and coordinate communications with staff and the public; managers will encourage family application for free and reduced‑price meals where applicable and expand awareness of dinner programs and pantry resources.
