A provision within the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act” that was signed into law on December 13, 2010, requires that school nutrition programs increase the “paid reimbursable” meal price to be equal to the difference between the free meal reimbursement ($2.88) and the paid meal reimbursement ($0.29) or $2.59 ($2.88 - $.029 = $2.59).

Currently the price that is being charged for a “paid reimbursable” meal in Palm Beach County Schools is $1.75 and $2.00 for Elementary and Secondary respectively. This means that on average the price being charged is $0.72 less than required by law ($1.75+$2.00 =$3.75/2 = $1.875 - $2.59 = $0.72). In doing so Palm Beach County is using federal reimbursement from free and reduced meals to subsidize meals for middle and upper income children. Legislation mandates at a minimum the new average paid lunch price should be increased 2% plus the 2.93% for the 2012-2013 school year inflation rate.

It is recommended that Palm Beach County “gradually” increase the “paid reimbursable” meal price over the next several years until it is in line with the current legislation. For the 2013-2014 school year, the School Food Service Department presented a proposal to the Board requesting authorization for SFS to increase reimbursable lunch prices to $1.85 and $2.10 for Elementary and Secondary respectively, which would account for the 4.93% mandatory increase for the 2012 - 2013 school year and the 2013 - 2014 school year ($1.875 * 4.93% = $0.0924 minimum increase).

If approved, the School Food Service Department will provide notification of the price increase through several means to ensure that communication is sufficient and parents and guardians are aware of the new prices starting in the 2013-2014 school year. Going forward School Food Service will analyze the National School Lunch Program annually and will make appropriate price increases in order to continue to work towards being in compliance with public law.