Natick May Raise Elementary School Lunch Prices

NATICK, MA — Natick elementary school students have apparently been getting a pretty good deal on school lunch. The district hasn't raise lunch prices in about six years, and is now looking at increase prices by 50 cents to remain in good standing with federal school lunch program financial standards.

Peter Gray, the district's finance superintendent, wrote a memo to Superintendent Anna Nolin in December informing her that the district's elementary lunch prices are out of compliance with federal equity standards. A price increase from $2.50 to $3 would remedy that, the memo says.

If the price doesn't change, the district could have trouble during an upcoming state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education audit.

The new elementary price would be the same as Natick middle and high schoolers pay (premium lunches cost $3.50), although less than other local districts. Wayland charges elementary students $3.50 for lunch, and it's $3.25 in Holliston and Wellesley.

Parents who can't afford lunch prices can sign up for the free or reduced lunch program. The district-wide reduced lunch price is 40 cents.

The Natick School Committee will discuss the price increase at the Jan. 13 meeting. If approved, the price increase would begin on March 1.