Washington County Public Schools raise meal prices by 5 cents

May 01, 2012|By ANDREW SCHOTZ | andrews@herald-mail.com

Meal prices in Washington County Public Schools will rise by 5 cents next school year — the second straight year of increases — but still will be among the state’s lowest, according to a school system official.

The Washington County Board of Education on Tuesday approved a $10.35 million Food and Nutrition Services budget for fiscal 2013.

The budget includes the increase in meal prices.

With the increase, lunch will cost $1.95 for elementary school students, $2.20 for secondary school students and $3.35 for staff members.

Breakfast prices will be $1.15 for elementary and secondary students, and $2.15 for staffers.

In a PowerPoint presentation, Jeffrey M. Proulx, the district’s supervisor of food and nutrition services, showed that Washington County’s current lunch prices are lower than the statewide average and prices in other Western Maryland counties.

For elementary students, the state average is $2.18. Allegany County charges $2.15, and Frederick County charges $2.05, 15 cents more than Washington County.

For secondary school lunches, the state average is $2.41, according to a chart. Allegany County’s price is $2.35, and Frederick County’s is $2.30, again 15 cents more than Washington County’s.

Proulx said Washington County might not have the lowest meal prices in the state, but probably is second or third.

This will be the second meal-price increase in four years. The other one was last year, when the price went up 10 cents.

Last year, Proulx said a federal act mandated an increase, but he would have recommended one anyway to offset rising food and labor costs.

Responding Tuesday to a question by board member Donna Brightman, Proulx said school meals are also getting healthier. For example, whole-grain breads have replaced white bread, he said.

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