“In this economy?”
A phrase that’s suddenly become commonplace over the last few months.
From the shelves of the grocery store to the pump at the gas station to the menu at the Cheesecake Factory, the pinch of inflation has been universal. And now, inflation’s come knocking on the doors of Frisco Independent School District’s school cafeterias.
In “an effort to keep pace with rising food and labor costs,” FISD increased the prices of meals available at school cafeterias for the 2025-26 school year. For all grade levels, breakfast prices have gone from $2 last year to $2.50 this school year.
Additionally, elementary school lunches will cost an additional $.25 at a price of $3, up from last year’s $2.75. Intermediate, middle, and high school lunch prices face a similar increase, coming out to a total of $4 per meal, up again by $.25 from last year’s price of $3.75.
“Honestly, I am not worried too much, last year the prices were $3.75 and this year they went up to $4 so it’s just a 25 cent increase,” junior Saii Nunna said. “What I’m really worried about is the amount of food or drink you are getting for the prices.”
A-la-carte items – such chips, ice creams, beverages, packeted snacks, and more – also face increased prices at a more individualized rate.
But there is a spark of light amid the darkness of the increasing prices. Starting next month, the district is set to roll out a wide variety of new menu options for students on a rotating basis with the end goal of making some of these items a permanent part of school cafeteria menus.
From September all the way through April, all students across the district will have the opportunity – on two consecutive days of the month – to try a new menu item, specific to each month, ranging from dumplings and tamales to a full-blown Thanksgiving feast to walking tacos and pancake bites.
For more information on changing meal prices or updated menu items, visit friscoisd.org or the district newsletter.
