Area schools are encouraging parents to use an online alternative to paying for school meals.
But regardless of how they pay, they are going to pay more.
The Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school systems teamed up with Lunchprepay.com, an independent online service, to offer parents the option of paying for school lunches online.
You still might not be able to steer your children away from pizza and fries and toward the salad bar, but the online payment system at least lets you watch what your children eat: It provides a 45-day history of each child's purchases.
Parents also can use their accounts around the clock and can ask the system to notify them when their account balance is low.
The program was new for Kannapolis City Schools last year, but it gradually has gained momentum over the four years Cabarrus County Schools has used it. Last year about 20 percent of Cabarrus County students used online payments, a figure officials would like to see increase.
The program is especially popular for parents with young children.
“It is safe and convenient,” said Tina Farms, child nutrition director for Cabarrus County Schools. “Most parents that we know who use the program really enjoy using it and like the accessibility.”
Regardless of what kids eat, however, the prices are going up. The Kannapolis school board raised school lunch prices by 20 cents this year. Lunch will be $2 for sixth through 12th grades and $1.90 for kindergarten through fifth grade.
The hike was necessary because food and fuel prices are at an all-time high, Kannapolis officials said.
In Cabarrus, lunch prices increased 35 cents. Lunch will cost $2.25 for sixth through 12th grades and $2.15 for kindergarten through fifth grade.
“It is an unfortunate fact that we all have to face,” said Andrea Palo, vice chairperson of the Cabarrus County Board of Education. “The increase in fuel prices is causing food prices to increase. I have seen it in the grocery store myself.”
To use the online payment system, go to www.lunchprepay.com to register. You need an e-mail account and your student's identification number. Basic membership is free. The site charges a 3percent fee every time you make a deposit; so if you deposit $100, you are charged a total $103.
Parents also can still prepay for school meals with a check or cash.
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