07-11-2012 Meal Price Reduction

LBUSD Press Release, July 11, 2012: Meal Price Reduction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
GERALD VLASIC, LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES/PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

DEAN WEST, LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, BUSINESS SERVICES

(949)-497-7700 ext. 5211

Last night, in an effort to support families and students, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education took action to approve a reduction of current meal prices for the Food Services Program as a one-year pilot program for 2012-13. The District hopes the approved pilot program will encourage increased student participation by offering nutritious meals at a lower price point.

The meal prices will drop this school year for both breakfast and lunch. The most significant reduction is in the price of lunch—down $0.60 to a new price of $3.90. Details about prices of both meals are as follows:

Price                   2011-12            2012-13

Breakfast          $3.00               $2.90
Lunch            $4.50               $3.90

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Food Services Program generated lower food sales over the past few years due to the economy and an increase in expenditures. The program’s self-sustaining power was limited by factors that include:

•   The shaky economy
•   Increased costs of food commodities
•   Lack of eligibility for desirable USDA food commodities
•   Conscious decision to reduce district-wide catering
•   Replacing Styrofoam with more environmentally friendly packaging

By reducing prices, the Board of Education hopes to encourage increased student participation at all school sites. Participants in the Food Services Program who meet state and federal government guidelines will continue to be eligible to apply for “Free or Reduced” pricing.