Alexandria City Public Schools is increasing the cost of breakfast and lunch at the elementary and middle schools that charge for meals.
Starting this school year, the cost of breakfast will rise by 25 cents (to $2.35 for all grade levels), and lunch will jump 50 cents (to $3.75) for students in kindergarten to fifth grade, and will cost $3.95 for students in grades 6 to 8, according to ACPS.
The new increases represent a bigger jump than the annual 10-cent increases ACPS has implemented since 2023. The school system said in a release that the adjustment will offset rising food, labor and supply chain costs, “as well as broader economic pressures related to inflation and the increasing cost of living.”
Meal prices don’t apply at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, which provide free breakfast and lunch to all students:
- Alexandria City High School King Street Campus
- Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus
- Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, & Technology
- Jefferson Houston PreK-8 IB School
- Ferdinand T. Day Elementary
- John Adams Elementary
- Early Childhood Center
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School
- Patrick Henry K-8 School
- James K. Polk Elementary
- William Ramsay Elementary
- Samuel W. Tucker Elementary
The price increases technically apply to grades 9 to 12 too, but both high school campuses are CEP schools.
Parents of students attending these schools will need to apply for free and reduced priced meals:
- Charles Barrett Elementary School
- Douglas MacArthur Elementary School
- George Mason Elementary School
- George Washington Middle School
- Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
- Mount Vernon Community School
- Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School
“Families are encouraged to complete a FARM application for students who attend non-CEP schools,” ACPS said. “At no point will students be denied access to meals due to family economic status. Please note any charges accrued prior to approval are not waived and must still be paid.”
Positive or negative school meal balances from the previous school year have been carried over into the new school year. Students will be fed at non-CEP schools without paying, but their families will be billed.
“At no point will students be denied access to meals due to family economic status,” ACPS said. “Please note any charges accrued prior to approval are not waived and must still be paid.”
Families with questions should contact administrative specialist Sonya Grant at [email protected] or 703-619-8407.
