A ten-cent increase in the price of school lunch is on the horizon for Hays CISD students as district leaders attempt to keep pace with federal mandates regulating the cost.
The move, which was approved by the board of trustees April 27, would add to the cost of school lunch for students who pay full price for their meals.
Michael Thibodaux, Hays CISD director of child nutrition, said the increase would not affect students who are on the free or reduced lunch program.
The increase is the federal minimum school districts can raise lunch prices under the section 2015 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010.
That section, called the Equity in School Lunch Pricing, requires participant districts in the lunch program to increase meal prices if the price charged for the meal is less than the difference between reimbursement rates for free and paid meals, according to district documents.
“There is never any type of lunch shaming. We understand there are financial difficulties can come up, no matter where you are in terms of financial situation.” Tim Savoy, HCISD public information officer
Based on the formula used by the federal government, Hays CISD would need to increase lunch prices by 36 cents to make up the gap between what students pay in full price and free lunch reimbursement.
Thibodaux said the government allows districts to incrementally raise the price by ten cents. Hays CISD has raised the price for those who pay lunch in full by ten cents for the past two years.
“They understand to jump the price by 36 cents would be too much of an economic burden,” Thibodaux said.
When it comes to the price of lunch, Hays CISD attempts to stay competitive with neighboring school districts with similar socioeconomic demographics.
While the district has “robust participation” in its lunch program, roughly 50 percent of the district is considered economically disadvantaged. Those students often qualify for the free and reduced lunch program offered by the government.
Hemphill Elementary, located in east Kyle, has the highest number of students on the free or reduced lunch program.
Students who are economically disadvantaged participate at a “higher percentage overall” versus those who pay full price, based on their economic situations, Thibodeaux said.
See a breakdown of economic disadvantaged students in Hays CISD here.
“It’s not so much we don’t have participation. It’s very high. The challenge is more making sure they take advantage of it. We want them to have two meals a day,” Thibodeaux said.
But the district also tries to stay cognizant of price for lunches and how it affects students who pay full price.
Hays CISD also tries to help students who pay full-price for their meals who may not be able to front the cost. The district allows students a $10 grace period in order to obtain lunch, but still be able to pay an outstanding account balance back.
Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said the district has $10,000 to $20,000 in unpaid lunch balances district wide.
If a student is unable to pay for lunch, they are given a “modified meal” which consists of a sandwich, a hot vegetable and unlimited use of the salad bar. Thibodeaux said the meal equates to the required caloric intake required for students.
“There is never any type of lunch shaming. We understand there are financial difficulties can come up, no matter where you are in terms of financial situation,” Savoy said.
Thibodeaux said the district tries to find solutions for sutdents who may need help with a meal.
“The programs we have in place for students who may come in the negative, we have a good safety net for them,” Thibodeaux said.
Lunch and Breakfast paid and reduced price increases since 2013
Elementary
2012-13: Breakfast $1.25/.30, Lunch $2.10/.40
2013-14: Breakfast 1.25/.30, Lunch 2.20/.40
2014-15: Breakfast 1.25/.30, Lunch 2.30/.40
2015-16: Breakfast 1.25/.30, Lunch 2.40/.40
2016-17: Breakfast 1.25/.30, Lunch 2.50/.40
2017-18: Breakfast 1.25/.30, Lunch 2.60/.40
Secondary
2012-13: Breakfast $1.35/.30, Lunch $2.30/.40
2013-14: Breakfast 1.35/.30, Lunch 2.40/.40
2014-15: Breakfast 1.35/.30, Lunch 2.50/.40
2015-16: Breakfast 1.35/.30, Lunch 2.60/.40
2016-17: Breakfast 1.35/.30, Lunch 2.70/.40
2017-18: Breakfast 1.35/.30, Lunch 2.80/.40
