School meal costs climb as fewer students qualify for free meals
Harvest Public Media reports school food costs are up about 30% since 2020, while this year's maximum federal reimbursement for a free lunch is $4.85, which must also cover staff and equipment. Austin ISD's food service director says a fruit or vegetable serving has gone from about 25 cents to 40-50 cents; 69 of the district's 105 schools use the Community Eligibility Provision, and he expects 30 more could lose it next school year as SNAP enrollment falls. A School Nutrition Association survey found 95% of school nutrition leaders worried about their program's financial sustainability.
Why it matters for directors: Model next year's CEP eligibility now and budget staff time for meal applications and family outreach so eligible students don't drop out of the program.
Original source: KCUR / Harvest Public Media ↗