Wrentham Elementary School Committee Increases Lunch Price by 25 Cents

The Wrentham Elementary School Committee approved a 25-cent increase in lunch prices at their meeting Tuesday night.

The increase would bring the price of lunch to $2.25.

District Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden brought the matter to the board's attention, saying an increase in food prices had led the lunch program to request a rate increase.

"They had labor reductions, and that worked over the short term, but they needed a long-term solution," he said. "In terms of what surrounding towns are charging, $2.25 is not out of the ordinary."

Committee member Tracey Murphy said the increase would allow the program to offer healthy options for children.

Marsden said the quality of the schools' menu had increased as of late.

"They've been making the food more attractive to kids," he said. "We're looking at 63 percent participation in the Roderick School, and high 50s in Delaney."

Committee Chairman Edward Goddard asked if, given the funds are used to help fund kitchen equipment repairs, the increase is enough.

"It's something we, as a school committee, need to contemplate," he said. "In my opinion, the last thing we want to do is cut a teacher because we need a new stove."

Marsden said he felt 25 cents was sufficient.

"I think we have enough in reserve — fifty cents is too much at this point," he said. "Some kids buy lunch every day."