A modest price to pay for feeding students

The breakfasts and lunches served at Hawaii’s public schools are about the biggest bargains in town, even with prices rising.

The hike that takes effect next school year will raise the price of breakfast 10 cents, to $1.10 for elementary students and $1.20 at secondary schools. The price of lunch is rising a quarter, to $2.50 for elementary and intermediate students and $2.75 high-schoolers.

Keep in mind that only about 40 percent of students will pay that price (lower-income students receive free or reduced-priced meals) and that even the "full" price for students does not reflect the true cost of the meal — subsidies from state and federal taxpayers cover about half the actual cost. The Department of Education has not raised the fee that students pay since 2011.

Now, it needs to make more meals that appeal to students, to keep kids buying and fueled for learning.