District 158 latest to up lunch price

Local residents aren't the only ones feeling the pinch from higher gas and food prices.

The rising costs have also squeezed suburban school districts.

Pushed by the rising cost of feeding its students, Huntley Unit District 158 became the latest suburban district to raise the price of its paid lunch Thursday.

District 158's lunch price was already on the low side and will remain relatively cheap even with the increase.

The price will rise from $1.75 to $2 in the fall.

Like many districts, District 158 loses money on its paid lunches but makes it up with revenue from other items, like a la carte snacks.

In District 158's case, the district more than makes up the difference, typically running a healthy surplus in its food service program.

The 25-cent increase could generate more than $175,000 in additional revenue and leave the district with a $500,000 surplus in its food service program.

But the district's expenses will also increase.

The district's food costs are expected to rise 14 percent next year, according to interim Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins.