The prices of an extra meal at Ripon Unified are going up.

The increase, which was recently announced by Food Service Supervisor Jandy Lauderdale, is specifically for the second breakfast and lunch for the 2023-2024 school year.

“There has not been an increase in breakfast or lunch since 2022,” she said in her May 31 memo to Superintendent Ziggy Robeson and the school board.

She noted the changes are due to the following:

·        Increase of food costs and supplies.

·        Increase in labor costs.

·        The price of a meal must fully cover all costs including the USDA Foods fair market value (43 cents).

·        A meal should not be less than the total reimbursement rate ($5.24).

The increase will be effective Aug. 8. Breakfast will cost $3.60 while lunch will be $5.75.

RUSD operates under the Universal Meal Program, which allows for students to have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost.

The second lunch and / or breakfast, at the elementary school sites and high school will be sold at the adult meal price, Lauderdale added.

In addition, no charging of a meal will be allowed.