Just 25 Cents a Week, but School Lunch Prices Are Going Up

The cost of school lunches will rise by a nickel next year for students.

The school board this week approved the 5-cent increase, which is mandated by the federal government with the long range goal that lunch prices equal the reimbursement rate provided by the National School Lunch Program within 10 years, according to board documents.

Cost for elementary school lunches will increase from $2 to $2.05. Middle School lunches will increase from $2.15 to $2.20 and high school lunches will increase from $2.30 to $2.35 per day.

The cost is comparable to nearby school districts. The average of eight neighboring districts is $2.25 for elementary school; $2.45 for middle school and $2.60 for high school.

The prices for a la carte offerings at the schools were deferred until June.