School breakfast and lunch prices for Austin Public School students will not increase for the 2008-09 year despite an 8 percent rise in food costs to the district.

“Food is projected to hit a great inflationary expense,” explained Lori Volz, director of finance and operations, to school board members Thursday.

Volz said the district did budget for the increase, increasing adult meals and planning for a student price hike in 2009-10. Vendor bids and menus will be reviewed.

“We don’t want to increase local prices,” Volz said.

The district has ran a profit in food service before, which allowed for the purchase of new kitchen equipment.

Proposed in 2008-09, adult breakfasts will increase 5 cents to $1.40, and 20 cents to $3 per lunch.

Students meal prices vary — elementary students pay 75 cents for breakfast and $1.70 for lunch; Ellis Middle School students pay 85 cents for breakfast and $1.90 for lunch; and high schoolers also pay 85 cents for breakfast and $1.90 for lunch.

Cartons of milk cost 35 cents each, and have remained so since 2003-04.

Students who qualify for reduced meals receive free breakfasts and 40-cent lunches.

The district’s free summer lunch program for all students ages 18 and under is in its second year and exceedingly successful. The program brought in a profit last year and is expected to surpass that this summer, Volz said.