Food Prices Could Take a Bite Out of School Lunches

The price of school lunch at Norwich, CT public schools has remained steady for the last three years. But Food Services Director Roberta Jacobs says that next year the price will rise because of the higher cost of foods. Students in the Irondequoit school district of New York will find new menu selections, as food service employees work around costly foods such as grain-based foods. School Food Service Director Ann Smahol is hoping to stretch food dollars further. Similar concerns and changes are bound to occur all across the country.

The availability of nutritious school lunches is something many school districts pride themselves upon. Reduced-cost lunches enable disadvantaged students to enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal. For others, school lunches provide a convenience to busy parents who know they can rely on the cafeteria if they're short on time or money to prepare a lunch at home. Students often enjoy the variety of menu items and a chance to make decisions about the foods they eat.

But food prices and shortages could start limiting the number of items available from which to choose. Many schools are already reducing the number of baked items they have available. Others are beefing up inventory of fruits and vegetables, which prove less costly than rice and grain.

What changes occur at a school near you may depend upon how the cafeteria is serviced for food supplies. Some schools lock in a rate for food delivery for the year with a delivery service. Food delivery operations that buy in bulk may be able to dissipate the rising costs of food or bargain for better deals. However, schools that privately manage their food supplies may be affected more by rising costs -- something that's bound to trickle down to the students.

Despite cost hikes at the cafeteria register or limited variety, supporters of school lunch still say that buying lunch at school is a cost-effective option for students. Commercially packaged lunches and fast food are often more expensive than cafeteria fare ... and in some cases, less nutritionally sound.