Federal Government Mandating Increased School Lunch Fees

The New York Times (9/20, A12, Santos, Subscription Publication) reports that "a little-noticed provision of the child nutrition bill" from December requires school districts "to start bringing their prices in line with what it costs to prepare" meals, "eventually charging an average of $2.46 for the lunches they serve." The price increase is "the first time the federal government has gotten into the business of cafeteria prices since its school lunch program was established in 1946," and was a reaction to a study that suggested federal money was subsidizing meals for children who it wasn't intended for. However, critics say the increased prices will hurt those who don't quality for subsidies but still need help. Additionally, the prices could cause more parents to send lunches to school with their children or not pay cafeteria lunch fees at all.