Schools
Pinellas School Board OKs Lunch Price Hike
Lunch prices will go up for students as of July 1. But the universal breakfast will be free next school year for all students.
School lunch prices will increase as of July 1. The improved the new prices at its May 8 meeting. It's the first time prices have gone up since 2005-06.
Elementary students will pay $2.00, middle and high school students $2.50. Lunches are currently $1.75 for elementary and $2 for middle and high school students.
The lunch price increase is because a federal law requires school district to raise full-price lunches to equal the federal reimbursement for free lunches.
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Currently the federal government pays the county $2.72 per student on free lunch. The schools have until 2015 to be in full compliance, so lunch fees could go up again, according to a news release.
Breakfast is free.
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While lunch prices went up, the universal breakfast program will be free next school year for all students.
Studies show that "it is imperative that children have a healthy breakfast in order to maximize their learning potential in the classroom," according to a news release.
