Elkhorn board approves 2026–27 meal price increases as food costs rise

The Elkhorn Area School District board voted May 11 to raise student and adult meal prices for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation on rising costs by Food Service Supervisor Ashley Drake.

Drake told the board the district operates five kitchens, serves eight schools and employs about 33 people in food service. She said federal aid, sales and a small amount of state aid fund the program’s Fund 50, and warned the fund is on a trajectory to be exhausted in about eight years if costs continue to climb. "We can pretty much sustain where we're currently doing for the next 8 years, but then after that, that's when my fund 50 is gonna be 0," Drake said.

To address higher prices and vendor changes, Drake proposed raising elementary breakfast to $1.70 and lunch to $3.00; middle‑school breakfast to $2.00 and lunch to $3.20; high‑school breakfast to $2.10 and lunch to $3.35; and adult meals from $5.00 to $5.25. Board members asked about participation and federal reimbursement rates; Drake said reimbursement levels and participation have fallen from COVID peaks and that some vendor scheduling changes (a produce vendor shifting delivery days) have added unexpected costs.

Trustees moved and seconded the recommendation to approve the price increases as presented; the motion passed by voice vote.

The increase applies districtwide starting with the 2026–27 school year. Drake said the district will continue to pursue cost savings, fundraising and local sponsorships to limit the impact on families.

What’s next: the board approved the rates and implementation will be handled by the food service office; the board did not return to this item for further amendment during the meeting.