Katy ISD’s board of trustees voted 4-3 to increase student breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year. This is the first time breakfast prices and elementary lunch prices have increased since 2014-15, and secondary lunch prices have not increased since the 2016-17 school year.

Reasons for the Increase

According to Dagmara Gujda, associate director of compliance, nutrition and food service, the district’s child nutrition fund balance lost $8.4 million during the 2025-26 school year due to significant shifts in expenditures and revenue. Federal reimbursements for meals account for around 62% of total revenue, while salaries, benefits, and food costs represent 83% of expenditures.

Alexa Carrier, executive director of nutrition and food services, stated that the price increases are proactive to prepare for potential fiscal issues. However, board member Cicely Taylor expressed concerns that the increases could negatively impact students’ access to food.

Katy ISD offers free and reduced meals for eligible students throughout the school year and provides free meals to all children within the district boundaries during the summer.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.