Gilbert Public Schools will raise lunch prices by 10 cents next school year, a move district officials say is needed to keep pace with rising food and labor costs.

The increase, approved by the governing board on Nov. 18, applies to paid lunches at all grade levels beginning in 2026–27. Breakfast prices will remain the same, and the change will not affect students receiving free or reduced-price meals.

District administrators also emphasized that the increase could be undone before it takes effect.

A bill in Congress proposes boosting federal lunch reimbursements by 35 to 55 cents per meal — an amount far exceeding the district’s planned price adjustment.

If that reimbursement is approved, district staff told the board they would return to vacate the increase.

Superintendent Shane McC

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