Because money doesn’t grow on trees
I wrote a story for today’s Oklahoman about a newly approved increase in school lunch prices in the Oklahoma City School District.
Steve Gallagher, director of child nutrition services, said at Monday night’s board meeting that the increase is needed to keep up with general rising food costs. He gave some reasons for the price jumps:
- Shifting corn and cropland to bioenergy uses.
- Using healthier but costlier foods like whole grains.
- Unusually severe weather patterns.
- Mandatory increases in minimum wage.
- Exporting food overseas to stronger markets.
“I wish that I could say that prices will go down and maybe we’ve maxed out, but I don’t think that’s the case,” Gallagher said Monday.
“It’s having a major impact on the entire food industry, as I’m sure Ms. Vines can attest to,” said Gallagher, referring to school board member Gail Vines, who co-owns Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a restaurant in the city.
Gallagher said another reason for the price hikes is the rising cost of fuel, which also was cited in a report Monday night about the transportation department.
The district started the year paying $2.70 per gallon for unleaded and $2.35 per gallon for diesel, transportation director Stephen Foster Jr. said.
The district is now paying $3.35 and $4.04, respectively.
Some NewsOK.com readers already have shared their feedback about the increasing costs. Add your thoughts to the mix on this online forum.
Wendy K. Kleinman
Education Reporter
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