Suncoast districts join nationwide trend of rising school lunch prices

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - School meal prices are increasing in Sarasota and Manatee counties this fall as districts face higher food costs and shrinking federal reimbursements.Manatee County increasesIn Manatee County, breakfast will remain free for all students. Lunch prices will increase 25 cents at the elementary level and 15 cents at the secondary level.Regina Thoma, the director of Food and Nutrition Services for the School District of Manatee County, said the district needs to keep pace with rising costs. Federal reimbursement has also declined as fewer students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.Sarasota County increasesSarasota County is implementing larger increases. Breakfast prices will rise 25 cents to $2.50. Lunch prices will increase approximately 40 cents at the start of the school year, bringing the cost for high school students to $4.15. A second increase is scheduled for January, bringing the high school lunch price to $4.40 by midyear.Tom Edwards, a Sarasota Schoo