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Jenison board approves contingency meal‑price increase if state funding lapses
Summary
The Jenison Public Schools Board authorized a contingency meal price increase — breakfast +$0.75 and lunch +$0.50 effective Oct. 1, 2025 if state free‑meal funding is not extended — citing a 40% rise in food costs and the possible expiration of the Michigan School Meals program; the vote was 7‑0.
The Jenison Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to approve a contingency adjustment to student meal prices that would take effect Oct. 1, 2025 if the State of Michigan does not extend the Michigan School Meals (MSM) program funding beyond its Sept. 30, 2025 expiration.
Food Service Director Mary Darnton told the board the department recommends a price adjustment of $0.75 for breakfast and $0.50 for lunch to prepare for the potential loss of statewide free‑meal funding. Darnton said food costs in the region have risen by more than 40% in the last three years and that without continued state funding the district will revert to traditional federal reimbursement rates, which are likely to reduce per‑meal revenue and could lower meal participation by an estimated 25%–30%.
"Feed kids first, and figure out money later," Darnton said, summarizing the department’s guiding principle while noting the team’s efforts to control costs through expanded scratch cooking and partnerships with 14 local farms.
Board materials and discussion noted the district does not qualify for the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) because its Identified Student Percentage (ISP) is below the required threshold. The district also reported that federal rules bar using the district’s excess fund balance to offset paid meal prices. To reduce family impact, the district will distribute applications for adjusted pricing and maintain a donation fund to help cover student meal debt.
The board approved the contingency measure 7‑0. Administrators said the Food Service office will immediately send information to families about the potential change and available assistance programs if the state funding is not renewed.
Next steps: If the Michigan School Meals program is not extended by Sept. 30, the district will implement the adjusted prices Oct. 1 and notify families about application processes for reduced pricing and available meal debt assistance.
