Charlotte County Public Schools to raise school meal prices as schools lose free meal eligibility

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

The Charlotte County Public Schools Board passed a measure that will increase the price of school meals across the district.

According to the item passed during the meeting, District Operations requested approval of a student meal price increase for the 2026-27 school year. The price of school meals has not increased in 11 years, but rising food and delivery costs prompted the request, according to meeting notes.

The price for a student breakfast at all schools will increase from $1.20 to $2.50.

The increase in price for a student lunch will vary by grade level. At elementary schools, it will increase from $2.40 to $3.75. At middle schools, it will increase from $2.60 to $4.15. At high schools, it will increase from $2.80 to $4.15.

The move comes after the district announced that only a select number of schools will qualify for free meals through the Community Eligibility Program.

The schools that will still qualify for the 2026-27 school year are:

-Peace River Elementary School

-Baker/Pre-K Center

-The Academy

-Neil Armstrong Elementary School

-Kingsway Elementary School

-Meadow Park Elementary School

-Port Charlotte Middle School

-Murdock Middle School

All other Charlotte County Public Schools will no longer qualify for CEP for the next four years.

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