In order to conform with the USDA’s “Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010”, school districts that are charging less than $2.51 for a paid student lunch must increase their price. The USDA currently reimburses school districts $2.77 for a free student lunch and $.26 for a paid student lunch, resulting in a difference of $2.51. The USDA has determined that the $2.51 difference in cost is the amount that school districts must charge for paid lunches. Due to this USDA regulation, both the Jackson County Board of Education and the Scottsboro City Board of Education will have to gradually increase their paid student meal prices until the paid student amount equals the amount of the reimbursement from USDA for a free meal.  The County and City Boards of Education will increase their paid student lunch price to $2.25 for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.

Both systems encourage parents to complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application at the beginning of the 2012-2013 School Year to see if their family may qualify for meal assistance.

The price of a paid student breakfast will not increase in either district as it is not mentioned in the USDA memorandum.

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