EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — School lunches will increase by a nickel for Hutchinson USD 308. The Board of Education voted to raise the price in a 7-0 vote on Monday night. The increase will take effect for the 2024-25 school year.
"My reason behind it would be the small incremental increase would lessen the financial impact on our families and then obviously even with these proposed rates, we are still significantly lower," Director of Nutrition Jennifer Tatro said. said. "This 5 cent increase isn't going to mean a lot. It's just going to make a small impact before estimating just because we do have so many families that qualify for free or reduced priced meals."
The proposed five cent increase would generate $6,300. Tatro said that the money for the food service budget comes from federal funds and full priced school lunches.
Breakfast prices for students kindergarten-twelfth grade would raise from $1.75 t0 $1.80. All elementary schools will raise from $2.70 t0 $2.75. Middle school lunch prices will raise from $2.85 to $2.90 and the high school lunch prices will raise from $3.05 to $3.10.
Tatro reported to the BOE that 75% of USD 308 students currently receive free or reduced lunch. Reduced rates for lunch and breakfast will remain unchanged.
More information is available by clicking on the link.