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Scottsdale Unified approves meal price increases after nutrition services cites rising costs
Summary
The governing board approved higher meal prices for 2025–26 after Nutrition Services described rising food, supply and labor costs and a paid-lunch equity requirement; free/reduced benefits will not change for eligible students.
The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board approved a proposed increase in student meal prices for the 2025–26 school year after Nutrition Services staff outlined eight years of deferred price increases, higher food and supply costs and a federal paid-lunch equity calculation.
Nutrition Services Director Patty Bilbrey and Finance Manager Brooke Phillips told the board food costs and supplies have risen substantially since 2018, citing a 20% average food-cost increase, a 69% rise in supply costs and a 106% increase in labor costs. Staff also described a federal paid-lunch equity calculation that compares revenue from free and paid lunch reimbursements and concluded the district’s paid-meal price should be close to $3.85 on average to meet USDA parity guidance.
Under the approved plan, elementary breakfast and secondary breakfast prices will align at $2.50. Elementary lunch will rise to $3.95. Secondary lunch will move to a three-tier structure ($3.95; $4.50; $4.95) to preserve some premium meal offerings. Nutrition Services said free and reduced-price eligibility and services will not be affected; students eligible for free meals will continue to receive them.
Board members discussed possible phasing, communication to families about payment options (online, cash, check) and programs that reduce transaction fees. Nutrition Services said the increase is intended to stabilize the program after years of using carryover funds and to reestablish a multi-month operating balance; staff estimated additional annual revenue of roughly $801,000 under the new prices.
The motion to approve the meal price adjustment passed with four votes in favor and one abstention. Nutrition Services said they will coordinate outreach on free-and-reduced applications, continuing community eligibility at qualifying campuses and provide details on payment options and vendor transaction fees.
Ending: Nutrition Services urged families to review guidance on free-and-reduced meal applications and payment methods; the department said it will report back on implementation and family communications.
