food

2026–27 School Meal Price Update

Doniphan-Trumbull Public Schools

June 16, 2026

Each spring, we review and set meal prices for the upcoming school year so families have ample time to plan ahead. Following guidance from the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), the Board of Education has approved the following meal prices for the 2026–27 school year. Increases range from 3.2% to 5.8%, and our prices continue to remain at or below the regional average for the ESU 9 area.

2026–27 Approved Meal Prices

Breakfast

  • Student Breakfast: $1.95  (up from $1.85  |  ↑ 5.4%)

  • Adult Breakfast: $2.75  (up from $2.60  |  ↑ 5.8%)

Lunch

  • K–6 Lunch: $2.95  (up from $2.85  |  ↑ 3.5%)

  • 7–12 Lunch: $3.25  (up from $3.15  |  ↑ 3.2%)

  • Adult Lunch: $4.90  (up from $4.75  |  ↑ 3.2%)

Meal Price History (2020–2027)

Meal

20–21

21–22

22–23

23–24

24–25

25–26

26–27 ↑

Student Breakfast

$1.60

$1.60

$1.70

$1.75

$1.80

$1.85

$1.95 ↑5.4%

K–6 Lunch

$2.55

$2.55

$2.65

$2.75

$2.80

$2.85

$2.95 ↑3.5%

7–12 Lunch

$2.85

$2.85

$2.95

$3.05

$3.10

$3.15

$3.25 ↑3.2%

Adult Lunch

$3.75

$3.75

$4.25

$4.40

$4.55

$4.75

$4.90 ↑3.2%

Adult Breakfast

$2.15

$2.15

$2.30

$2.40

$2.50

$2.60

$2.75 ↑5.8%

Highlighted column reflects 2026–27 approved prices.

Why Do Prices Increase?

Our Nutrition Department is committed to operating as a self-sustaining program. While we occasionally draw from local district funds to support nutrition services, our long-term goal is for the department to cover its own costs over time. Nominal annual increases — guided by the Nebraska Department of Education — help us move steadily in that direction, protecting the district’s general fund and ensuring meals remain available to all students.

How Do We Compare? ESU 9 Regional Averages

Meal

ESU 9 Regional Avg

D-T Price

Elementary Breakfast

$2.09

$1.95 ✓

MS/HS Breakfast

$2.13

$1.95 ✓

Elementary Lunch

$3.03

$2.95 ✓

MS/HS Lunch

$3.34

$3.25 ✓

Our student meal prices come in below the regional average across every category — a reflection of our commitment to keeping school meals affordable for every D-T family.

Does Your Family Qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals?

Families who meet income guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. We encourage every family to apply — the process is quick, easy, and completely confidential. Applications are accepted year-round.

For best results, please submit your application after August 1, 2026. If you applied last year, you will need to reapply for the 2026–27 school year.

👉  Apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals: https://bit.ly/4vWOfgk

Questions?

Please contact our Nutrition Department with any questions about meal pricing, your student’s meal account, or the free and reduced-price meal application.