Several districts raise price of school lunches

CINCINNATI - Parents should start saving for school lunches this school year.

Several Tri-State districts are raising prices to meet new federal and state government standards to make meals healthier in school.

Both school boards in the Mason City School District in Warren County and the Kenton County School District in northern Kentucky have voted to raise the cost of school lunch. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act makes it harder for schools to serve the typical fatty foods of french fries and pizzas. It requires districts to develop nutrition standards, restricts the sale of certain foods and nutrition standards, and restricts the sale of certain foods and beverages during the regular and extended school day. There must now be less sugar and fat, with more vegetables and fruits, which can be expensive for school districts to accommodate.

Officials with Mason City Schools have decided to raise the price of lunch by 15 cents to help with the changes. An elementary school lunch will now cost $2.55, while a middle school or high school meal will cost $2.65.

The Kenton County school board decided to increase the price of meals by 25 cents for students and 50 cents for adults. A student's lunch will now be a $1.75.

Tips For Packing Lunch

Of course, a great way to avoid paying for school lunch is to have students pack their meals. For many parents, consistently packing lunch can be challenge, but there are several ways to save money and avoid a headache.

For example, parents can purchase lunch kits which include separate containers for drinks, sandwiches, etc... That way parents avoid the cost of plastic bags and aluminum.

If the child loved dinner the night before, parents could consider saving some of the meal for his or her lunch the next day.

Also, it doesn't take much to simply prepare meals ahead of time, such as cutting up fruits and vegetables, preparing cheese and crackers, or buying in bulk (ex: granola bars).

Lookout For Child's Eating Habits

Tri-State parents should check with their school district to see if lunch prices went up. Many school boards are voting on the increases this summer.

Also, if parents choose the school lunch option, then they should make sure their children are actually eating. Kids can be picky eaters, and the healthier options may not be as tasty to them compared to lunch last
year.

Click here for the school lunch news release from Mason City Schools.

Click here for the school lunch news release from Kenton County Schools.