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West Jefferson proposes small increase to student lunch prices; nutrition program said to be self-sustaining
Summary
District administrators presented a fee hearing proposing raising elementary lunch from $3.25 to $3.50 and secondary from $3.50 to $3.75, citing market comparisons and a child nutrition program that remains 'in the black.' The board will consider the change at a future regular meeting.
At the fee hearing portion of the session, district leaders presented a request from the Child Nutrition program to raise student lunch prices slightly: elementary lunch from $3.25 to $3.50 and secondary lunch from $3.50 to $3.75. Administrators said the adult lunch figure was also listed for completeness and that federal rules constrain some pricing elements.
The superintendent praised Lisa Ward, the child nutrition director, for running a program that is currently self-sufficient and for winning grants and successfully passing audits. The superintendent said Ward compiled local meal-price comparisons and that the proposed increases roughly match regional averages the director collected. "She did a lot of research on it," the superintendent said, and the administration recommended the board consider the increase at the district's regular meeting.
Administrators also noted the program faces significant regulatory requirements that limit flexibility—particularly around procurement and allowable uses of federal funds—and said Ward has advocated at higher levels for simplification and increased ability to buy food from local farmers. The proposed rate changes will be presented to the full board for formal approval at a later meeting.
