Meal prices are going up at San Diego schools next year. District officials say the increase will pay for all the healthy foods now offered at school cafeterias. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
A school lunch will now cost $1.50. That's up by 25 cents from last year. The slight increase translates into big money for the district's food services program. Officials expect to make an additional $850,000. Spokesman Gary Petill says the money will go back into providing healthy options for kids, from low-cal entrees to salad bars. He says the money will also pay for new menu items.
Petill: Like a wheat pita pizza with BBQ chicken and vegetarian pizzas, teriyaki bowls and rice bowls of different varieties that we feel the students are really going to enjoy.
Petill says the price of produce and milk have skyrocketed in the part few years. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunches will not be affected by the price increase.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
