The Londonderry School Board received a detailed presentation at its most recent meeting outlining proposed increases to student and staff meal prices for the upcoming school year. Director of Dining Services Krystle Connell said the adjustments are necessary due to rising food, supply, and vendor costs that have significantly impacted the District’s food service budget.
Connell explained that after completing the federal Paid Lunch Equity Tool and reviewing guidance from the New Hampshire Buying Group, it became clear that price increases were unavoidable. “For FY27, we are looking at price increases for both staff and student breakfast and lunch meals across all schools in response to increased food and vendor costs,” Connell said. “There would be a 20 cent increase for all student meals and a 25 cent increase for staff meals.”
Connell told the Board that the food service program will end the year with a deficit. While a shortfall was anticipated, several unexpected factors made the situation worse. Among them were increased waste at certain locations, higher prices for food, paper goods, and cleaning chemicals, and a 35 percent fuel surcharge added by vendors to their deliveries.
She noted that staff have been working to reduce food waste across the District, but rising costs continue to outpace savings. “The department will end the year in a negative,” she said, emphasizing that the deficit reflects broader cost pressures affecting school districts statewide.
To increase revenue, Connell outlined several initiatives under consideration. These include opening a snack cart in the multipurpose room at the Middle School, re-partnering with Annie’s Frozen Yogurt at the high school, dedicating staff to oversee vending machines, and extending the hours of the high school snack room. She said these efforts are aimed at generating additional income without placing the full burden on meal prices.
Connell also highlighted the District’s ongoing challenge with unpaid student meal balances. As of May 5, the negative balance totaled $63,725.85. She said the food service department continues to reach out to families through monthly phone calls, twice weekly emails, mailed letters, and by working with District administration to set up payment plans when needed. The current negative balance is approximately $2,500 lower than it was at this time last year, though balances do carry over annually.
Connell praised the District’s Feed It Forward program, which has performed better than expected. Throughout the year, donors, including families who have left the District and chose to contribute remaining funds, have helped support the program. Those donations will be used to pay down outstanding meal debts at the end of the year.
School Board Chair Bob Slater noted that rising student meal debt is becoming a chronic issue across New Hampshire, not just in Londonderry. He said districts everywhere are struggling with the same combination of higher costs and unpaid balances.
After discussion, the School Board agreed to implement the 20cent increase for student meals and the 25cent increase for staff meals beginning next school year.