Gilbert Unified board approves 10¢ lunch price increase for FY2027; free/reduced students unaffected
Summary
The Gilbert Unified governing board approved a 10¢ increase to paid lunch prices for the 2026–27 school year to address inflationary pressures in food and labor costs. District staff said the change is expected to generate about $125,000 and would be vacated if a pending federal reimbursement increase is enacted.
The Gilbert Unified District governing board voted Nov. 18 to increase paid lunch prices by 10¢ for fiscal year 2027, citing rising labor and food costs and the need to stabilize the nutrition services fund.
Director-level staff explained the increase applies to paid lunches across elementary, junior high and high schools; breakfasts and free- or reduced-price meals would remain unchanged for affected families. Nutrition staff estimated the 10¢ change would yield roughly $125,000 in additional revenue for the year and said the increase is a cautious, incremental step following earlier small increases in prior years.
Board members asked for details on participation, the share of students on free and reduced-price meals (staff said roughly 30% are free/reduced and about 70% are paid), and how the district would respond if federal reimbursements changed. Staff noted a bill under consideration nationally could raise federal paid-student reimbursement substantially; district leaders said they would vacate (rescind) the local price increase if the federal reimbursement increase is enacted and funds are routed to districts.
The motion to approve the 10¢ increase was made by board member Jill Humphreys; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The motion passed during the action-item section of the agenda and will take effect in the next fiscal year as presented.
