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School board approves higher student meal prices for 2026–27 as district loses CEP eligibility
Summary
The Charlotte County School Board voted to raise student breakfast to $2.50 and lunches to $3.75 (elementary) and $4.15 (middle/high) for the 2026–27 year after officials said the district no longer meets the federal threshold for districtwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
The Charlotte County School Board voted May 5 to increase student meal prices for the 2026–27 school year, citing rising food and supply costs and a loss of districtwide eligibility for the federal Community Eligibility Provision.
Board members approved a districtwide student breakfast price of $2.50, elementary school lunch at $3.75, and middle- and high-school lunch at $4.15. The motion to adopt the new prices passed by voice vote.
Board member Reynolds, speaking during discussion before the vote, said the district previously offered free meals to all students under CEP after a post‑hurricane rise in direct certification rates. Reynolds said those temporary conditions have changed and the district no longer meets the federal threshold that allowed districtwide free meals. "This adjustment is about maintaining the consistency and availability of meals for all students while continuing to support those who need it most," Reynolds said.
Reynolds said students who are directly certified through federal or state assistance programs will continue to receive free meals. She urged families who may need support but are not automatically qualified to submit applications for free and reduced-price meals.
The superintendent recommended approval of the prices at the meeting; board members moved and seconded the recommendation and approved it by voice vote. Board materials presented at the meeting noted that federal reimbursement rates have not kept pace with rising costs, and the district's nutrition program must be financially self-sustaining.
The board provided no additional dollar figures for the districtwide budget impact at the meeting, and the transcript did not specify the total number of students affected. The district directed families to available application processes for free and reduced-price meals.
The board adjourned the meeting after routine closing remarks; there was no additional public hearing on the meal-pricing item scheduled that night.
