As we all have seen at the grocery store and in restaurants, the cost of food has risen dramatically over the past few years. Unfortunately, school lunches are not immune to those price increases.
For the third year in a row, the HF Board of Education will subsidize the cost increase to assist families.
For the past two years, HF has covered all of the 10-12% food price increase resulting in a savings for families of approximately $125,000 in 2022-23 and $175,000 in 2023-24.
This year, vendor Quest must increase food prices by 10%. For the past five years, prices have not been raised for families. This year, the HF Board of Education will subsidize approximately $90,000-$100,000. Continuing to subsidize the entire price increase is not sustainable for the school district budget, however the Board believes it is important to ease families into the price increases.
Viking Value Meals
To assist families with the cost of lunch, HF has implemented Viking Value Meals that range in price from $5.50 to $7.25. These meals are available at this discounted price for any student and are the meals provided through the free/reduced lunch program.
To receive discounted, free/reduced value meal prices, your student must have all of the components of the Viking Value Meal at checkout (entree, chips, and milk or water). An optional fruit or fruit cup is also available with the meal. Otherwise, your student will be charged a la carte or individual prices for each food item. There are several value meal entree options for your student to choose from including sandwich, salad, pizza, pasta, burger, chicken sandwich, spicy chicken or the daily special.
Please be aware that your student will be charged for any other item purchased beyond the components of the Viking Value Meal. For example, if a student has all the components of the cheese pizza meal, then they will receive it at the free/reduced price (only for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch), or the discounted rate for purchasing the Viking Value Meal. If your student decides to purchase extra items like fries or a soft drink, then they will be charged for the extra food items regardless of their free/reduced lunch status.
Student Voice
Later this fall, food service vendor Quest will again gather student feedback regarding the food service experience including food variety, quality and the lunch room experience. This feedback is used to improve the student experience.
IMPORTANT LINKS
NEW: My MealTime (for food payments): make credit or debit card deposits, monitor lunch account and sign up for balance notifications
Viking Value Meals
2024-25 Pricing
2024-25 Free and Reduced Lunch Application