Coral Springs families brace for another year of rising school lunch prices as district considers second consecutive increase
Coral Springs, Florida – Families in Coral Springs could soon see another increase in school meal prices, marking the second year in a row that lunch costs are rising across Broward County public schools.
The Broward County Public Schools board is expected to review a proposal at its upcoming Tuesday meeting that would raise lunch prices by $1 for students at all grade levels. If approved, the changes would take effect on August 10, at the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
The proposed adjustments continue a gradual shift that began in 2025, after several years of stable pricing. District documents show that the increases are tied to rising operational costs and federal requirements that school meal programs remain financially balanced.
Under the new proposal, elementary school lunches would rise to $4, up from $3 last year. That follows a previous jump from $2 to $3 in 2025, meaning the cost has doubled in just two years.
Middle school students would see lunch prices increase to $4.35, compared to $3.35 this year and $2.35 two years ago. High school lunches would rise to $4.50, up from $3.50, after previously costing $2.50 during the 2024–2025 school year.
Even with the increases, some meal options would remain unchanged. Reduced-price lunches would stay at $0.40, while school breakfast would continue to be offered at no cost to students.
District officials noted that the price changes are linked to federal Paid Lunch Equity regulations, which require school meal programs to generate enough revenue to cover the cost of preparing and serving food. Rising food prices and labor costs have contributed to a growing gap between what the district spends and what it collects from meal payments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students across Coral Springs and the wider district received free meals under a federal program that temporarily removed meal costs for families. However, that funding ended, and districts nationwide have been adjusting prices since then.
According to district documents, Broward County did not adjust lunch prices for more than a decade, holding steady since 2012 before beginning gradual increases in 2025. Officials say the recent changes are part of an effort to stabilize the program’s budget while continuing to provide meals to all students.
For many families, the latest proposal adds to ongoing concerns about rising household costs. A $1 increase per meal may seem small on paper, but for families with multiple children purchasing lunch daily, the total monthly expense can add up quickly.
At the same time, school officials emphasize that maintaining the quality and availability of meals remains a priority. The district continues to provide free breakfast for all students, a policy designed to ensure that children start the school day with access to basic nutrition regardless of income level.
The upcoming board vote will determine whether the proposed increases move forward. If approved, Coral Springs families will need to adjust to the new pricing structure when the next school year begins in August.
