Deal lets District 59 students get hot lunch through end of year

Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 has inked a new short-term contract at higher rates with its food service company, ensuring students will continue to get hot lunches through the end of the school year.

On Monday, the school board approved a 27-day contract with Sodexo, the food provider that backed out of its contract with the district and was going to stop providing lunches on May 1. The company said it was on schedule to lose $1 million over two years because of its deal with District 59.

The new agreement increases the district's cost for lunches by 96 cents, from $2.04 to $3, and the cost for cold breakfasts by 69 cents, from $1.26 to $1.95.

District 59 is not passing the increased cost along to students. The federal government is expected to reimburse the district's costs for free lunches and most reduced-price lunches, but the district is likely on the hook for the cost of some regular-price lunches.

The new agreement was only possible with the permission of officials from the Illinois State Board of Education, which administers the food contract for all school districts that get federal subsidies for free and reduced-price lunches.

Sodexo said their shortfall is because they have to prepare meals off-site at a school in DuPage County, then carry the food to District 59's 11 elementary schools and three junior highs.

Sodexo officials said the higher prices in the new short-term contract will allow them to break even.

The agreement runs from May 1 through June 15, or the last day of the school year, whichever occurs last. The school year may end earlier if no inclement weather days are used.

District 59 will go out to bid for a new, permanent food service provider starting with the upcoming summer school session.