Holmen nutrition director proposes 25¢ across-the-board meal price increase

Mike Gasper, Holmen School District director of nutrition services, recommended that the board raise student and adult meal prices by 25 cents per meal for the 2025–26 school year, citing inflation, loss of some local food vendors and possible changes to state categorical eligibility that could reduce free-and-reduced meal participation.

Gasper summarized the proposal and the reasons for it: “We feel that we need to increase prices at this time, 25¢ across the board.” He said the recommended increases would raise K–12 breakfast from $2.00 to $2.25, K–5 lunch from $3.00 to $3.25 and K–12 lunch from $3.25 to $3.50. Adult meal prices and senior dining fees would also increase by 25 cents.

Gasper told the board the district had not raised prices since the 2022–23 school year and that inflation estimates of 4–7 percent, the loss of local food brands (including district-supplied beef and pork), and a possible drop in free-and-reduced eligibility because of changes in Medicaid/Medicare categorical qualifications were straining the nutrition fund balance. He said the proposed increase would keep Holmen’s prices near the middle of local districts’ ranges even after the adjustment.

The board president indicated the item would appear on the June 9 consent agenda, giving board members an opportunity to ask questions or pull the item from consent for separate discussion before the vote.

Gasper answered no substantive questions during the meeting and the board did not vote on the price change at that session; the motion to place the item on the June 9 consent agenda was announced by the chair.