APS to vote on lunch price hike

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Albuquerque Public School Board is expected to vote on Wednesday to approve a 10 cent hike in lunches for students.

The increase is a requirement from the United States Department of Agriculture. If approved, the price for elementary school lunches will come out to a $1.95. Middle school and high school lunches will be around $2.20.

Breakfast meal prices will not be affected.

Last year's meal increase was the first the district had done in about three years.

This entire increase is meant to meet the reimbursement levels the USDA pays to school districts that offer the free or reduced meals. It's called the federal Healthy Hunger Free Act of 2010 .

The district says if the increase is too much for some families, they're encouraged to apply for the free or reduced meal program.

For example, a family of four that makes less than $41,000 a year could qualify for the program.

The district says irregardless of the price hike, the nutritional value of the lunches they offer will be going up next year.  That means offering more whole grains and a wider variety of vegetables.