APS Food & Nutrition Services

NEWS RELEASE June 23, 2008

The Albuquerque Public Schools will increase the price of school meals for the 2008-2009 school year to help offset the increasing cost of food, fuel and labor. Prices for school breakfast will increase by 15 cents and for lunch by 15 to 25 cents beginning Aug. 12.

The price increases are needed to help cover soaring expenses that are expected to jump by an estimated 35 percent. The increased meal prices are expected to bring in about $420,000.

"The skyrocketing cost of food and fuel is forcing school district's across the nation to increase their breakfast and lunch prices," said Superintendent-designee Winston Brooks. "APS has no choice but to raise the price of meals in order to cover some of our expenses."

Contributing to the cost increase is the district's commitment to serve healthier menu items, said Food and Nutrition Services Director Mary Swift, who explained that whole grains, fruits and vegetables typically cost more than their less nutritional counterparts.

Another budgeted expense is a 3 percent pay raise for employees, which is not covered by the state because cafeteria operations are self-sustaining. Unpaid meals from last school year, which total more than $130,000, also put a strain on the budget, as do competitive food sales by parent and student organizations and some school administrations.

Meal prices for the new school year will be: $1.15 for breakfast (up from $1); $1.75 for elementary lunches (up from $1.60); and $2 for secondary lunches (up from $1.75).

APS families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-cost school meals through the federal National School Lunch Program. Many more families qualify for the program than apply, said Swift. A family of four can qualify for reduced-priced meals if its annual income is less than $39,000; a family of six qualifies with an annual income of $52,500 or less. The cost of reduced-priced meals is 30 cents for breakfast, 40 cents for lunch. Families can apply for the free or reduced-priced meals by filling out an application that is available from each school's office or the cafeteria manager. Parents may also get an application form by calling APS Food and Nutrition Services at 345-5661, ext. 37030.