By Derrick Forsythe Record Staff Writer The Warren County R-III School District will raise its meal prices this year in an effort to keep up with federal demands. The board July 9 approved the rate …
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Record Staff WriterThe Warren County R-III School District will raise its meal prices this year in an effort to keep up with federal demands.The board July 9 approved the rate increase for 2015-16 on a 4-0 vote during its monthly meeting. Board members John Bradshaw, Bill Hawley and John Clinger were absent.Lunch prices will increase by an average of 8 cents, while breakfast prices will remain the same.“The government puts out an equity tool that instructs us on where we need to be for our meal pricing,” said Director of Food Services Debbie Linke.The average cost of a student lunch that was $2.62 will now be $2.70.Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will see a 5-cent increase (from $2.55 to $2.60), while meal costs for sixth through 12th grade will rise 10 cents (from $2.70 to $2.80).“The USDA keeps floating that number each year,” explained Superintendent Dr. Jim Chandler. “It’s based on the difference of what they supplement and what we charge. If you’re not reaching a certain level, then they require you to raise your lunch prices.”“I didn’t want to raise it 10 cents across the board, when we only needed to increase by 8 this year,” said Linke.“Typically, elementary lunches are not the same size as the upper level lunches,” added Chandler.Linke says the district serves around 1,900 tray lunches and 750 tray breakfasts to students each school day.Another 400 students choose to utilize the a la carte option, which means purchasing individual items instead of tray meals that are considered healthier and more cost efficient.“A la carte does not relate to the meal reimbursements we receive,” said Linke about the free-and-reduced lunch program, of which about 55 percent of the student body is enrolled.Linke says this year’s menu won’t see significant changes compared to last year when the USDA lowered sodium allowances and increased whole grain products, while also requiring students to take at least one fruit or vegetable item.“There’s a lot that goes into the menu in terms of requirements,” she said.Warren County R-III
