Sand Springs district ends universal free-meals pilot after year of rising food costs

The Sand Springs Public Schools superintendent and district staff announced May 5 that the district will not continue its one-year pilot of universal free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision, citing a roughly $400,000 shortfall and sharp food-price increases.

The move affects all schools in the district and follows a fiscal review of reimbursements and meal costs. “We really cannot continue that program,” Miss Durkee, superintendent, said during the board meeting.

Board members and staff said the pilot benefited families but proved fiscally unsustainable. The district estimated food costs rose by about 20% this year and that the program would deplete fund balance if continued. “It was a deficit…about $400,000 to answer your question directly,” Miss Durkee…