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GWINN -- Money may be tighter these days, but parents don’t want to cut back on their children’s lunches at school.

Fortunately, schools are able to help out by offering a free or reduced lunch program.  Across the nation, more students are participating in the program.  In the U.P., the numbers have not increased yet, but the schools are making changes.

“I was going to propose an increase in the cost of the breakfast and lunch for students, and because of the economy and things we thought might happen, we changed our mind and we did not go for an increase,” said Michael Maino, Gwinn Area School District Superintendent.

Most of the school cafeterias have not had to raise their meal prices, which typically run about two dollars.  However, schools have changed their buying strategies.

“Well, this year I’ve had to do a lot more pricing.  A lot closer watching the cost of each serving, which in the past I’ve done, but not as closely as I have this year,” stated Food Services Director, Hazel Blandford.

And for the few schools that have seen an increase, it may be due to a change in the paperwork for families receiving a free or reduced price lunch.

“They made it a single form rather than an individual form for each student.  That increased the number of students, especially at the high school level, that would then take part in the free and reduced lunch program,” said Maino.

No matter how lunch is paid for, schools are still trying to keep the food healthy while serving up student favorites such as pizza and tacos.