FISD has provided free meals to every student under the age of 18 since October 2020. The district received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which allowed it to distribute free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income eligibility.
There is no waiver offered for the 2022-23 school year yet, although it is possible one could be extended, per an email from Meghan Cone, the district’s assistant director of communications. Last year, the USDA announced the availability of a waiver on April 20.
The pricing approved by the school board would only take effect if a waiver is not extended, Cone said. Pricing also applies to people who order a la carte items in lieu of full meals.
In the event that the district has to charge for meals, that would begin during this year’s summer school program, which begins May 24.
Most meal categories in the district saw a slight increase, according to meeting documents. Breakfast increased to $2 from $1.50 for students. All adult breakfast meals will be $2.50, which is an increase from the $2 “power meal” option. However, it is the same price as this school year’s “premium power meal.”
Lunch prices will increase from $2.50 to $2.75 for elementary school students, meeting documents stated. Middle school and high school students will pay $3.75 for lunch next year, which is a $0.95 increase from this year’s price of $2.80. All adult lunches will be $4.50, which is a change from the 2021-22 pricing of $3.80 for “power meals” and $4.80 for “premium power meals.”
The last time FISD raised lunch prices was during the 2016-17 school year, Cone said.
“If the federal waiver is not extended, adjustments will be necessary as a result of inflation and the rising cost of food and food products over the last several years,” Cone said in an email, adding that pricing under the National School Lunch Program is subject to federal laws.
Students who choose premium meal options will see their prices drop next school year. Premium breakfast will go from $2.20 to $2, and premium lunch prices will drop to $3.75 from $3.80.
Students who qualify will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2022-23 school year, regardless of the extension of a waiver, per meeting documents.
