School district in Maryland raises meal prices, attributing the hike to escalating food and workforce expenses nationwide
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has announced that it will be increasing school meal prices starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the first raise in meal prices since 2021, reflecting the challenges faced by schools to continue providing nutritious meals amid inflation and higher operational expenses.
The school lunch prices will increase by 10 cents for both breakfast and lunch. In elementary schools, breakfast will cost $1.45 and lunch $2.90, while in middle and high schools, breakfast will be $1.60 and lunch will cost $3.15.
The increase is due to rising food and labor costs nationwide, which have affected the tight budgets of school meal programs. The announcement was made in response to these increasing costs.
Notably, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, Indian Head Elementary School, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, J.P. Ryon Elementary School, Eva Turner Elementary School, John Hanson Middle School, General Smallwood Middle School, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, and Thomas Stone High School are all part of the Maryland Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This means that they will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch regardless of the family's income.
Schools and school districts that have at least 25% of students who are part of other programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible for this program, according to the Maryland State Department of Education.
CCPS teaches 28,162 students from pre-k through 12th grade. The increase in meal prices has not been implemented yet, as the article does not specify a date. Students who receive free meals will continue to receive them under the CEP.
However, the article does not provide information about any potential financial aid or assistance for students who may struggle to afford the increased meal prices. It is advised that parents and students keep an eye on further updates from CCPS regarding this matter.
[1] Rising food and labor costs affect school meal programs (2023) [2] CCPS to increase school meal prices (2023) [3] Maryland Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) explained (2022) [4] Inflation and operational expenses challenge school meal programs (2022)
The increasing food and labor costs in the industry are causing financial strains for school meal programs, affecting business operations and budgets. To compensate, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has announced an increase in school meal prices for the 2025-26 academic year, indicating a challenge in the education-and-self-development sector to maintain nutritious meals amid inflation and higher expenses.
