Manatee County school lunches could soon become more expensive.
The Manatee County School District is looking at raising the price of lunch by 20 cents for students and 25 cents for adults next school year as part of a state requirement.
“Our calculation this year said that we needed to raise lunch prices 12 cents," said Sandra Ford, the head of Food and Nutrition Services for the school district. "So we decided to raise them 20 cents in hopes that we won't have to do it again next year.”
If the increased price passes by the board, elementary students would pay $2.25 for lunch. Middle and high school students would pay $2.50.
Brandie Havell is a mother of two. She says the increased lunch price will not hurt her wallet. However, she says not everyone can afford to pay that much.
“I think for some families it will be OK," she said. "Maybe for some it might be difficult.”
However, Ford says even with the increase, school lunches are affordable.
“Lunch is really still a bargain," she said. "They get fresh fruits and vegetable choices every day. They get a hot sandwich or a hot meal choice every day.”
While the price of lunch may be going up, the school district is looking at making breakfast free.
“Making sure the kids are ready to go into the classroom, ready to learn and it’s something that’s simple," Ford said. "And not expensive because it’s funded by the Department of Agriculture's reimbursement.”
Havell feels free breakfast is a great idea.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea!" she said. "Especially for the families where the husbands and the moms both work, and they have to be at work early. Sometimes it’s a challenge to get your children to eat breakfast.”
The items will go before the school board April 14. The school district says, this year about 47 percent of students ate breakfast at school.