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Treynor nutrition director says rising costs necessitate 25¢ meal-price increase
Summary
After a detailed nutrition services report, the board voted to raise breakfast and lunch prices by $0.25 for 2026–27. Nutrition director Mandy Vincent cited labor, food costs and uncertain USDA reimbursement as drivers.
Mandy Vincent, the district’s director of nutrition services, told the Treynor Community School District Board on June 8 that sustained cost pressures make a modest price increase necessary to keep the program solvent.
"When I came in, we were at $1.75 for breakfast and under $2 for lunch," Vincent said, explaining the district has lagged other districts in meal pricing and faces rising labor and food costs. She told the board she expects price increases to continue in coming years but believes the pace will slow. Vincent also noted uncertainty in USDA guidance and reimbursement rates and that the district is basing next year’s menus on current standards until federal guidance is finalized.
Board members asked whether price increases would continue at the same pace; Vincent said she hoped they would slow. The board approved a $0.25 increase to all breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026–27 school year after the presentation.
Vincent also reported operational wins: no staffing turnover in her department this year, a successful new parent/staff app for allergy and menu information, and higher on-site breakfast traffic despite lower overall enrollment. She warned food allergy cases have doubled in the district year‑over‑year and said staff will pursue additional training.
Next steps: business services will update registration and point‑of‑sale settings to reflect the price increase and notify families ahead of registration.
