School lunch costs are rising alongside food inflation, a new report shows

The cost of packing your child’s lunch for school is on the rise this year, with prices increasing compared to last year. According to a recent report from Deloitte, the average cost of a homemade lunch is now $6.15, up nearly 3% from $5.99 in 2024. This increase is due to the rising cost of groceries, with staples like whole milk and bananas seeing significant price hikes.

While some food items have become cheaper, such as white bread and iceberg lettuce, others like American cheese and romaine lettuce have seen price increases. Tomato prices, on the other hand, have decreased by 7.8% per pound compared to last year.

The overall increase in grocery prices has put pressure on American families, with half of them citing the cost of groceries as a major source of stress. In response to the anticipated rise in lunch prices, caregivers are planning to switch to store brands, opt for cheaper sandwich options, and cut down on other household expenses to allocate more money for groceries.

In addition to homemade lunches, cafeteria lunches at schools may also see a price hike this year. The price of food at elementary and secondary schools has increased by 3.3% since last year, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inject more funds into the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Despite the increase in prices, more than half of respondents in Deloitte’s survey mentioned that their schools offer free lunches, regardless of income. School meal prices typically range from $2.95 for elementary schools to $3.20 for high schools, according to a survey conducted by the School Nutrition Association.

Overall, the rising cost of lunches is a concern for many families, but there are options available to help mitigate the impact. By making strategic choices when shopping for groceries and taking advantage of school meal programs, caregivers can ensure that their children are well-fed without breaking the bank.