Board approves raising school breakfast to $2 starting 2026–27

The Brookline School Board voted May 27 to increase the price of school breakfast from $1.75 to $2 beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Business administrator Lance Famino and director of school nutrition Amy Cassidy presented a memo explaining that because the district closed FY25 with a positive fund balance it is exempt from a required overall lunch-price increase; the recommendation was therefore to hold lunch prices steady. Cassidy said breakfast prices have not risen since the 2022–23 school year while food, staffing and procurement costs have increased, and recommended raising breakfast to remain compliant with program requirements and budget realities.

"During that time, food costs, regulatory requirements including lower sugar standards and domestic juice procurement and staffing costs have all risen," Cassidy said, explaining the recommendation to raise the breakfast price from $1.75 to $2.

The board moved, seconded and approved the increase by voice vote. Staff reminded the public that free and reduced-price eligibility still applies to both lunch and breakfast and that families may apply for benefits at any time; the district said those rules and the anonymous application process remain in place.

What happens next: the price change will take effect at the start of the 2026–27 school year and the district will continue to provide information to families about free and reduced-price meal eligibility and application procedures.