School Lunch Prices Remain the Same

Lunch prices at Trenton Public School will not change for the 2011-12 school year.

Prices will not increase despite a provision of the federal government’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, signed by President Barack Obama last year, that requires a rate increase for some schools.  The law mandates that every district adjust its meal prices to ensure the overall rate is comparable with federal reimbursement rates.

At TPS elementary schools and the middle school, students will pay $2.75 for lunch and $1.50 for breakfast. Students eligible for reduced lunch will pay $.40 for lunch and $.30 for breakfast.

High school students will pay $3.00 for lunch and $1.50 for breakfast. Reduced lunch costs are the same for all schools.

Adults who wish to eat school lunches will pay $3.50 for lunch and $1.75 for breakfast.

The USDA reimburses districts $2.72 per meal for each lunch served to students who are eligible for free meals. Many districts, federal officials found, charged less for meals and less than the cost of making them. The act requires schools charge closer to an average of $2.46 per meal. Districts have time to meet the price target and most will slowly increase to meet the new requirements. 

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, aimed at improving health and nutrition among children, also requires districts include healthier menu items. Menus this year will consist of a larger portion of fruits and vegetables (including more leafy green, yellow and orange vegetables); additional whole grains; leaner entrees with reduced sodium; and more servings of beans and legumes. Less starchy vegetables will be served.