CStudent Nutrition Paid Meal Price Increase

In accordance with Board Policy 3550, the School Board is responsible for approving menu price changes. The mission of the Student Nutrition Department is to provide healthy, satisfying meals that support student learning. To sustain this mission, the department is requesting an increase to paid meal prices.

These adjustments are necessary to maintain compliance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Paid Lunch Equity requirements (7 CFR §210.14(e)) and to ensure sufficient funds are available in the nonprofit school food service account. Federal regulations require school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program to cover the full cost of meals served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, either through meal pricing or other non-federal funding sources.

The last meal price adjustment was approved by the School Board in November 2025. The proposed price increases will take effect beginning for the 2026-27 school year. These adjustments reflect rising food and labor costs, reduced commodity support, and inflationary pressures.

The proposed changes are as follows:

• Elementary Lunch: Increase from $3.60 to $4.00.

• 7-12 Lunch: Increase from $4.00 to $5.00.

• Milk: Increase from $0.80 to $1.00.

All other student meal prices will remain unchanged. These revisions ensure the district remains compliant with federal regulations under the National School Lunch Act Sections 4 and 11, and that the Student Nutrition program remains financially sustainable.

Alaska Districts Proposed 2026-27 Breakfast Pricing Comparisons

Alaska Districts Proposed 2026-27 Lunch Pricing Comparisons