Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Meals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kensington board approves 10¢ increase to school breakfast and lunch prices
Summary
Facing a food-service deficit, the board approved a 10-cent increase to breakfast and lunch (from $2.25/$3.40 to $2.35/$3.50) after staff used USDA paid-lunch-equity guidance and noted the program still feeds students who lack funds.
The board approved a 10-cent increase in student meal prices after staff presented food-service figures showing an operating deficit and used the USDA Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) tool to guide the recommendation.
Business staff explained that small-school food services commonly operate at a loss and that higher prices help close deficits without pricing students out. The district had planned for a loss of roughly $7,500 but said the deficit was trending toward about $18,000 due to higher food costs and recent facility expenses.
Recommendation and concerns: Staff recommended raising breakfast from $2.25 to $2.35 and lunch from $3.40 to $3.50. Board members stressed the importance of not pricing students out of meals and confirmed that the district will continue to provide meals to students who do not have funds on their accounts; community donations help cover large unpaid balances and unpaid balances are absorbed by the general fund at year-end.
Board action: A motion to approve the 10¢ increase was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will adjust menus/pricing and notify families; board members said staff should continue outreach to ensure eligible families complete free/reduced-price forms to maximize program coverage.
