Lafayette Board Approves Rate Hike For School Lunches

Students in Lafayette Parish will pay an extra 25 cents for school meals starting in August.

Child-Nutrition Director Renee Sherville says her department needs more revenue because of costly new federal requirements calling for more fresh produce, whole grains and low-sodium products on a student's plate.

Breakfast will now cost $1.50, elementary lunches $1.75 and high school lunches $2. Adults purchasing lunch within the school district will pay an extra 50 cents, totaling $3.50 for employees and $4 for visitors.

The Lafayette Parish School Board approved the district's first meal-rate increase since 2008 at its Wednesday meeting.

Board members Shelton Cobb and Tehmi Chassion abstained from the vote, and Rae Trahan was absent.