When Milford Students return to school on August 29th, their lives will be a bit more green.
As part of Milford Schools' participation in the U.S. Government's Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, students will now be required to take a fruit or vegetable serving with each purchased meal.
"It's very specific on how many vegetables," said Eileen Faustich, Director of Food Services at Milford Board of Education of the policy, adding that the fruit and vegetable "portions are larger."
The Price of Eating Healthy
Last year, Milford schools served 627,000 meals. For participating in Healthy, Hunger-Free, the government will be subsizing the Milford Schools Food Services at a rate of 10 cents per meal. The cost of the healthier food will likely increase Milford costs per meal by 20-30 cents, according to Faustich.
As a result, Faustich noted that beginning in 2013-2014, elementary and middle school meal prices will likely have to increase by 10 cents per meal.
Not Funded by Milford Board of Education
For years now, Food Services in Milford Public Schools has been completely funded by sales to students.
"The goal is to break even," said Eileen Faustich. "We don't want to charge people too much, but we want to break even."
Faustich noted that meals purchased has gone down, a reflection of the economy and enrollment. She is projecting that Food Services will break even next year.
