Breakfast prices have not increased in the past 5 years. Based on the 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for food away from home (3.8%) and a comparison to neighboring districts (Ridgefield, La Center, and Battle Ground), it is recommended that paid breakfast prices are increased by $0.30 at the middle and high school levels to better align revenue with the cost of meals served.
SY25-26 Breakfast Meal Prices
Reduced Price – All Grades*
Paid Price – Middle
Paid Price – High
Adult
Woodland SD
$0.00
$1.70
$1.80
$2.50
Battle Ground SD
$2.00 (+$0.30)
$2.25 (+$0.45)
$2.50 (=)
La Center SD
$2.05 (+$0.35)
$2.20 (+$0.40)
$3.45 (+$0.95)
Ridgefield SD
$2.50 (+$0.80)
$2.65 (+$0.85)
$3.50 (+$1)
*OSPI covers the reduced-price co-pay, so students eligible for reduced-price meals receive breakfast at no cost.
In addition, USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Paid Lunch Equity requirements necessitates a $0.10 increase at each level where paid meals are not currently priced at cost (middle and high). This adjustment supports federal compliance and improves cost recovery within Nutrition Services.
Yale Elementary and Columbia Elementary participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), allowing both schools to serve meals at no charge to all students. CEP eligibility is based on the percentage of students directly certified for free meals through SNAP, TANF, or similar programs (40% threshold) and is approved on a four-year cycle. Families are still asked to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) application to support other student benefits and district funding.
North Fork Elementary serves meals at no charge to all students through Meals for Washington Students (HB 1238). The law requires free meals in K-4 schools where 30% or more of students were eligible for free/reduced-price meals in the prior year. Families must still complete the CNEEB application. SY26-27 will be the third year of no-charge meals at NFES.
Administrative Recommendation /MOTION: "I move we approve the meal prices for the 2026-27 school year as presented."