PROVO — Due to increased fuel and food costs, parents in Provo School District will be forking over more dough for their children's breakfasts and lunches for the 2008-09 school year.
As recommended by district nutrition officials, the Provo Board of Education approved a 25-cent increase in school breakfast and lunches. The vote, during the board's meeting Tuesday night, was unanimous.
It has been seven years since Provo district increased its breakfast and lunch prices.
"That's pretty amazing," said district superintendent Randall J. Merrill.
"That's pretty commendable," said board president Darryl Alder.
The cost of breakfast will rise to $1.25. Elementary lunch will be $1.75. Secondary lunch will be $2.
Adult breakfast will be $1.50 while adult lunch is to be $2.75.
Free and reduced lunches, which are funded by the federal government, will have the same price. Reduced-cost breakfast is 30 cents while reduced-cost lunch is 40 cents.
Jenilee McComb, Provo district child nutrition supervisor, said starting in November, the district's shipping supplier began charging the district a fuel surcharge by the case. That cost is currently around 13 cents per case, on top of the cost of the food.
Food costs also have increased. Prices for paper products and other supplies, such as detergent, also have risen, McComb said.
After the vote, board member Sandy Packard said, "We don't like to raise prices but it's inevitable given the economic situation we are in. I think this is a wise move."
McComb said Provo district prices are currently the same as those in Nebo and Alpine School Districts.
To find lunch schedules for Provo district, go to: www.provo.edu. Click on "departments" and then "child nutrition."
E-mail: astewart@desnews.com