School Lunches are Getting More Expensive

As the price of food goes up, so does the cost of a school lunch.

School nutrition officials from Sodexho that handles lunches in Medford, Phoenix and Ashland, say like everyone else, food costs have gone up for them as well.

They say they passed on as little of the increase as possible leaving the school districts with the challenge of finding good, and healthy food at a lower cost.

For every one of the lunches served at Washington Elementary School in Medford, parents are paying 10 cents more than they did last year.

"As long as its something healthy I understand the cost of everythings going up all the expenses I do understand that," said Thomas Akers, a parent.

"The economy has had an impact on prices overall...not immune experIence challenge just like the general public does when they go to the grocery store," said Jeff Ashmun, the senior general manager at Sodexho who handles school nutrition at local school districts.

Medford students are now paying $1 for breakfast, $1.75 for lunch, that's a four percent increase on lunch costs.

With the rising cost of everything from milk to vegetables, they're trying to buy more with less.

"We're looking to purchase as many fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, the good thing is, with in season products, they tend to be the less expensive."

Even the price of school lunches has gone up a bit, district officials say there are programs available to help those families who might need a little assistance this school year.

The National School Lunch Program offers free or reduced meals to families who qualify.

"It helps a lot we do have more income this year didn't get free lunch but reduced costs. It helps a lot because I do have three children," said Christina Olson, a parent.

Officials say more parents need to take advantage of the program. The parents that do say, every bit counts..

"Save money start doing it at home gets expensive after a while and doing it daily basis with three kids, that's a lot of time," said Akers.

Families can apply to receive lunches for free or at a reduced cost anytime during the year. Even if it's just for a little while.

Those who received the benefits last year, will continue to receive them for thirty more days and then they have to reapply.

As part of their continuing effort to get kids interested in fruits and vegetables, local school districts will hold their annual "Farm to Market" nutrition fairs in October. The ever popular "fizzy fruit" will also make it's way back to local schools this fall.