BOE approves school meal price increase

Public school breakfast and lunch prices will increase next school year, the Hawaii Board of Education announced Tuesday.

The new prices, approved Tuesday by the board, are in accordance with a 2009 state law requiring the state Department of Education to charge at least half the cost of preparing the meals. It is the first increase since 2011 and officials say it is needed because of inflation and labor costs.

Student lunch and breakfast prices will increase by 25 cents and 10 cents, respectively next school year. Reduced-price meals served to economically disadvantaged students will remain unchanged at 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Students who qualify for free meals also will not be impacted.

“In order for our schools to continue to provide quality meals for our students, the food we provide can not be heavily processed,” said Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent for School Facilities and Support Services. “Serving nutritious food made by our staff is better for our students but it comes at a cost.”

The department serves more than 100,000 meals, which must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines, daily during the school year. Requirements include additional servings of fruit and vegetables, a greater variety of vegetables, and whole grains.