Bethlehem School District increases student lunch prices

DELMAR, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Bethlehem School District will increase lunch prices for students by 25 cents in the new year. Starting January 2, 2025, the increased meals will only affect student lunches; teacher meals and breakfast prices will remain the same.

Food Services Director Claire Groudine said the increases ensure quality, address the growing cost of food commodities, and maintain compliance with federal recommendations. 

"The Food Services Department strives to use as much fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables as possible and to provide a variety of options throughout the week that are cooked from scratch," she said. "Our goal is to run a food services program that can sustain itself without compromising quality, nutrition and value for our customers."

Meal Increases:

• Elementary Schools (K-5): From $3.00 to $3.25
• Middle Schools (6-8): From $3.25 to $3.50
• High School (9-12): From $3.50 to $3.75

There will be no change to free and reduced lunch prices. The district-wide increases are the first in 10 years, Groudine said. The last meal increase was only in the high school in 2022.

The district's Board of Education approved the increases at its October 23 meeting. The district will review meal prices again before the 2025-2026 school year.