More Pasco Students Need Subsidized Meals

A recovering economy? Really?

Some Pasco County families may be asking such a question these days — at least if you consider the rising percentage of public school students qualifying for free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches.

According to www.tbo.com, 56.1 percent of enrolled students qualified for such meals for the school year that just ended. In the 2008-09 school year, the percentage was 48.6, and 55.6 for 2011-12.

There are more than 66,000 students in Pasco County's public school system. 

Here are the current meal prices, according to the district's website:

Reduced Price Breakfast: $0.30 
Reduced Price Lunch: $0.40

Full Price Breakfast 
Elementary: $1.25 
Secondary: $1.40

Full Price Lunch 
Elementary: $2.00 
Secondary Classic: $2.50 
Secondary Alternative: $3.00

Is the amount of reduce-price meals in the district a decent indicator of the local economy? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments section below. 

Need to apply for free or reduced-price meals for your student? Go to www.pasco.k12.fl.us/free_reduced.