School lunch prices rise sharply after years of higher costs

Student lunch prices in one Illinois school district have risen by 50% to 70% since the 2019-20 school year, as schools face higher food, supply, labor and operating costs.

For the 2026-27 school year, lunches cost $4 at elementary schools, $4.25 at middle schools and $4.50 at the high school. Those prices compare with $2.50 at elementary and middle schools and $3 at the high school in 2019-20.

The district said about 18% of students receive free or reduced-price meals. That share and the number of students receiving assistance have remained steady since 2019-20, with no increase in applications during that period.

Read the full story at patch.com.