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Racine Unified says district will remain in CEP; Aramark proposes modest meal-rate increases
Summary
District staff presented an Aramark renewal for 2026–27 with modest meal-rate increases and said, together with Community Eligibility Provision claim rates, the district can remain districtwide CEP and continue free breakfast and lunch for all students; staff credited updated kitchens for operational improvements including onsite baking and expanded fresh produce offerings.
District staff told the Racine Unified School Board on April 13 that Aramark is offering modest increases to meal rates for the 2026–27 school year and that, combined with the district’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) claim rates, Racine Unified can remain districtwide CEP and continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students.
A presenter said Aramark has elected to increase breakfast meal rates by 3%, take no increase on lunch, and take 2% on à la carte and supper meals. The presenter noted that USDA rules cap the maximum allowed based on CPI for "food away from home" and that Aramark’s chosen increases are below that cap. "This will allow us to remain districtwide C for the next four years," the presenter said, summarizing the operational impact for fund accounting and program sustainability.
Staff described how declining participation in programs such as SNAP and Medicaid has depressed the ISP (identification of student percentage) used to calculate claimed free-meal percentages, and that the district’s CEP claim is moving from 92.14% to 92.4% claimed at the free rate. Officials emphasized that federal funding amounts have not changed and that the district’s enrollment/claiming mix determines the fiscal outcome.
Presenters also highlighted facility improvements funded through the referendum, saying upgraded kitchens enable the district to move from unitized meals to onsite preparation in most buildings, expand entrée options, and begin baking bread on-site. The improvements, staff said, support a fresh-fruit-and-vegetable program that will expand from six to nine eligible schools next year.
Board members thanked staff for enabling free meals and for the operational improvements that reduce stigma and expand offerings. The work session did not adopt a final contract; the Aramark renewal and CEP application will be presented at the business meeting for approval and for the state review required to confirm districtwide CEP status.
