As Food Prices Rise, Setting Menus Is Cause of Heartburn for Schools

With food and fuel prices increasing sharply, food and nutrition directors in school districts around the country are finding themselves facing some uncomfortable choices.

In some districts, school lunch menus are being pared down to fewer selections, instead of the array of healthy options districts would like to offer. In other areas, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are substituting for fresh. Many meals directors say they’re going to have to ask their school boards to consider raising prices to keep up with the cost of the food that is going on plates.

The Miami-Dade County, Fla., district has streamlined its choices, increased the price of some a la carte lunch items, and quit serving hard-boiled eggs, among other changes, said Penny Parham, the food and nutrition director...