Various left-wing mayor of La Rochelle, Jean-François Fountaine thus closed, this Monday 1is July, at a municipal council meeting, the lively debate started with his opposition Le Renouveau on the school meal prices which will apply at the start of the school year.
Prices are up by 3% overall in public schools in La Rochelle. With a social rate that remains at 10 cents per meal and a maximum of €5.52 for the most well-off families. “Over a year, it will cost between zero and €23 more per child,” explains Mathilde Roussel, the elected representative responsible for school catering. “With 35% organic food on children’s plates, compared to 22% at the start of the mandate…”
Cost price
A price increase that is difficult to absorb for some families struggling to cope with inflation? “The overall cost of school meals is 7 million euros per year,” assures the mayor, for only “2 million euros” billed to families. The unit cost of the meal is thus “between 11 and 12 euros,” indicates Mathilde Roussel who explains to Aya Koffi, of Renouveau, that it is “difficult to compare” with other communities. La Rochelle includes, for example, the cleaning of kitchen equipment, which is not the case everywhere.
