School Lunches, Feeling the Pinch from Price Hikes
We've all been noticing the soaring prices at the grocery store when we go shopping, but the average consumer isn't the only one noticing the pinch to the pocket book.
Some national reports say school lunches could be less healthy because those foods are cheaper. 3 On Your Side education reporter, Randi Hempel, digs in to how the Savannah-Chatham school district is handling the increases.
More than 21,000 Savannah-Chatham students buy a school lunch every day.
“Ya'll make sure you get your milk and everything.” A cafeteria worker at Southwest Elementary talks to the children.
They're encouraged to eat healthy.
"What's your favorite thing on that tray?” I ask a 4th grader at Southwest Elementary.
“Probably the peaches.” Says 4th grader, Alex Bryant.
“Honestly, peas and milk.” Says 1st grader, Amanda Brennan.
But prices are soaring for those healthy options and the school district is feeling the pinch in the pocket book.
Luckily, the food bid prices remain firm for the year, but fruit prices fluctuate every 2 weeks and milk, every month.
“We will not increase our prices for this current school year. However, next year it may be a different story if gasoline prices continue to escalate which will have an impact on our food costs.” Explains Altheria Maynard, School Nutrition Director for Savannah Chatham County Schools.
Which means, the $1.65 regular lunch or the $.40 reduced lunch may increase in prices, but before that happens, the district will have to see what the reimbursement rates from the government will be. Until then…
"We will be very cautious and very frugal so that we do not impact our students.” Says Maynard.
And pinching pennies will not cost your child a healthy lunch.
"We will decrease the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables on our menu because of the fluctuating prices but they will still get what they need and we will be following the guidelines for our fruit and vegetable requirement.” Adds Maynard.
Not turning back to sugary and starchy foods, which are cheaper but less healthy for these growing children.
District officials remind us that the balanced meals they serve are still a lot cheaper than what parents will be buying and sending from home.
Maynard says they will look at their revenues at the end of the school year, along with salaries, food and equipment costs before they go to the school board about a price increase.
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