Floyd County Schools has set meal prices for the 2008-2009 school year and student meals are one of the few necessities not increasing in price.  Floyd County administrators have made the commitment to hold meal prices at last year’s level to help our families dealing with increases in most other areas in the family budget.

Prices for meals in cafeterias in Floyd County Schools for the 2008-2009 school year will be the same as last year’s prices. Breakfast for primary/elementary students will be $.75 and breakfast will be $1.00 for middle/high students.  Visitors pay $2.00 for breakfast.  Lunch will be $1.50 for primary/elementary students and $1.75 for middle/high school students.  Visitors pay $3.75 for lunch.

“We understand that budgets are tight for our families due to the increase in cost for just about everything,” said Dr. Bob Puckett, deputy superintendent for Floyd County Schools. “We have determined to hold the line on our meal prices this year in an attempt to assist our families.”  The school food service program is designed to be a self funding program through meals purchased by students and staff.  The school nutrition department has worked with suppliers to keep the cost down and allow the system to keep the same prices as last year.  “We have really worked hard with our suppliers to negotiate the best possible prices for this year,” said Donna Carver, school nutrition director for Floyd County Schools.  “It will be a very tight year for our program but it is always our goal to provide a quality, nutritious meal at the best possible price.”

School lunches are still a tremendous bargain.  According to research from the Georgia School Nutrition Association, a typical lunch from home of a ham and cheese sandwich, chips, a peach cup, a chocolate covered peanut butter wafer and a 20 oz fruit drink costs $3.25 on average.  A prepackaged lunch of a turkey breast, cheese, crackers, a mini candy bar and a fruit drink is $2.00 on average.  A child can get a school lunch of chicken tenders, potato tots, veggie dippers (carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes), ranch dressing, honey mustard dip, texas toast, a royal brownie and a choice of milk for just $1.50 to $1.75. 

The comparisons should go much deeper than just the cost factor.  These lunches would also favor the school lunch program when comparing calories and fat content based on USDA- approved nutrient analysis.  School meals are not just cost effective but a well balanced meal to promote optimal growth and the child’s well being.