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Board approves 25¢ lunch increase as food service reimbursement dips
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Summary
Food & Nutrition Services director recommended raising paid lunch prices 25¢ after federal reimbursement levels fell and the full‑pay meal mix no longer covers costs; the board approved the change and heard a program update.
Jenna (S28), director of Food & Nutrition Services, recommended the board approve a 25¢ increase to paid school lunch prices and a 10¢ increase for breakfast, citing a sustained dip in federal reimbursement rates for free and reduced meals that previously helped offset full‑pay meal costs.
"The paid lunch equity tool currently recommends a 71¢ increase to our meal prices. By law, we have to increase by at least 10¢," Jenna said, explaining that past practice was a 10¢ annual increase but that recent reimbursement declines and program losses prompted the larger request. She told the board the program is self‑funded and has reduced losses by about $300,000 year over year through grocery bidding and operational strategies.
Board members expressed appreciation for the food service staff and asked questions about federal rule changes, SNAP/direct cert processes and outreach to families who may lose automatic direct certification. Jenna described outreach plans during the 30‑day grace period at the start of the school year to help families re‑enroll and noted work with nurses, ELL staff and school principals to assist families in completing applications.
The board approved the meal price changes by voice vote.
Why it matters: Raising paid meal prices directly affects families who pay full price and could help stabilize a program that provides meals to thousands of students each year. The district plans incremental implementation and communication to limit hardship and ensure eligible students remain enrolled in free/reduced programs.
