>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

An extra nickel.

Many La Grande School District students will need one in 2008-09.

The board voted Wednesday to boost the price of the district’s lunches by 5 cents in 2008-09.

The increase is needed because of rising expenses. Food prices jumped 4 percent in 2007 and are forecast to rise 3.5 to 4.5 percent in 2008, said Gary Howland, district plant operations director.

Labor costs are also increasing. Food service personnel will receive an increase of 3 percent in salaries and benefits in 2008-09 under the district’s contract for classified staff.

The 5 cent increase in 2008-09 applies to student and adult meals. The increase means 2008-09 lunch prices will be:

• $1.70 for elementary school students.

• $1.95 for middle school students.

• $2.20 for high school students.

• $3 for adults.

Student breakfast prices will not increase, but the cost of adult breakfasts will jump 5 cents to $1.80.

In addition, the cost of a single carton of milk will increase a dime to 50 cents in 2008-09. This jump will apply only to separate milk purchases. Milk is included with all La Grande School District meals.

Rising expenses have hit the food service program hard recently. In 2006-07 the program lost $23,647. The loss was covered by drawing money from the program reserve fund.

For 2007-08 the food service program is showing a profit of $8,881 as of Feb. 29. Its reserve fund now has a cash balance of $30,204. The program’s savings are used for capital expenditures like the purchase of stoves and refrigerators and to offset losses.

The food service program has been self sustaining for the past six years. Howland, who oversees the program, credits its success to the efforts of Food Service Manager Mary Seavert and her staff.

“They do an excellent job.’’