School meal prices to increase 25 cents

(July 14, 2011) The price of elementary and secondary school lunches will increase by .25 cents when school begins this fall. Rising costs and higher prices on fresh fruits, vegetables and reduced fat food products have led the Board of Education to approve the increase.

Beginning in September, student lunches will cost $2.25 at the elementary school and $2.75 at the middle/high schools.

The last time the district increased meal prices was for the 2008-09 school year and only the cost of lunch at the middle/high schools increased. Therefore, the $2 cost of lunch at the elementary level had been in place for even longer.

During the 2010-11 school year, the district, in conjunction with the Ad Hoc Food Service Committee, focused on improving the School Lunch Program. Many provided feedback about the program through an online survey and the district has since made many changes to its menus in response.

"Voorheesville has made great strides in providing fresh and appealing foods to our students and staff and we will continue our commitment," said Superintendent Dr. Teresa Thayer Snyder.

Students who may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals if their families meet federal income guidelines are encouraged to apply. Families already receiving free or reduced-price meals must submit a new application for the 2011-12 school year. Information pertaining to the Free and Reduced Price Meal program will be available on the district website within the next few weeks.