[Correction: The original version of this article reported Chairman Cole Wright was absent from the meeting. He was in fact attending virtually and voting with the board. The article has been corrected to reflect that fact. SweetwaterNOW apologizes for the error.]

ROCK SPRINGS — The Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees approved a series of 25 cent increases to breakfast and lunch prices, though some trustees voiced opposition to the idea. 

“The one thing to mention with this is unfortunately it’s one of those things that’s just a necessary evil,” Trustee Danielle Schumacker said. “It’s unfortunate because we’re not trying to target those who have a struggle in paying for lunch to begin with.”

The increases don’t impact reduced meal costs. 

Schumacher said even with the increases, the food service program operates at a deficit as it is a self-funded program the district provides for on its own. The cost increases are being done to recoup some of the costs in providing meals to students and will bring an estimated additional $37,000 into the program. Schumacher said the district supplements the food program from its general funds in amounts ranging between $500,000 and $1 million. 

“It’s really something that I hate to see us doing, but I can understand the necessity behind it,” Trustee Matthew Gardner said. “One of the things that has come up though, in recent discussions throughout the last year, is that we have a large number of families within our district who do qualify for the free and reduced meals, but have not applied or have not taken advantage of that service.”

Gardner encouraged families who find the price increase putting a burden on them to apply for the free and reduced meal program. He said there is a “host of benefits for both the family and the district” when families are accepted into the program.

Trustee Josh Sorensen said food costs are “skyrocketing” for his restaurant business and believes the 25 price increases are not keeping up with the food price increases. He said the district should not get behind in examining how much it costs for food versus how much is being charged. 

The increases were approved through a unanimous vote.