Board Approves Modest Price Adjustments to School Meals

On May 21, 2026, the Board of Education approved a recommended, phased increase in school meal prices, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. The plan reflects the reality that food and labor costs have risen significantly, by more than $19 million over the past decade, while school meal prices for families have remained unchanged since 2015.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, meal prices for paying students will increase by 30 cents. This increase is designed to provide transparency and allow families to plan ahead, while helping the school system close the gap between current meal prices and the federal cost of providing a meal. MCPS currently has the lowest meal price of all surrounding counties.

Importantly, these changes will not impact students who receive free meals, including the more than 72,000 students supported through federal and state programs and the Community Eligibility Provision. MCPS will continue its commitment that no student is denied a meal, alongside safeguards such as a grace period for eligibility and ongoing efforts to expand access to free meals where possible.

For families who do pay for meals, the school system recognizes this is a meaningful change. Advance communication will be provided to the MCPS community through the summer and prior to next school year. Ultimately, these adjustments are intended to sustain meal quality, avoid service reductions and ensure the long-term stability of the program.