PORTAGE | With gas and food prices exceeding expectations, students across the region will be paying a little more for that pork fritter sandwich or hot dog come August.

Portage Township School Board members agreed to a 15-cent across-the-board meal fee increase last week. Jan Black, the district's food and nutrition services director, said she has received letters from vendors and food service companies to expect costs to increase from 11 percent to 30 percent in the next school year. The cost of two school lunch staples, bread and milk, are set to increase by 11 percent and 12.8 percent, respectively. With the food service program self-supportive, Black said passing the increase to students is unavoidable.

"I had hoped we wouldn't have to do this," Black said. "It's just to make ends meet and cover the costs. We have to be able to cover our expenses."

Black said it's not only the cost of the actual food that's pushing prices up, but the cost to transport the food is escalating with the price of gasoline.

"That's had a direct effect," Black said.

Other school systems are dealing with the same issues. In May, the Lake Central School Corp. passed a similar increase, followed by the School Town of Munster in early June.

Paulette Libak, Munster's food service director, said it's a necessary step. Milk alone took a $34,000 chunk out of her budget last year.

"Despite the increase, if you compare the cost of school lunches to fast food, school lunches are still the best buy around," Libak said.

Likewise, the Merrillville School Board passed a lunch fee increase Tuesday. Hilda Damianick, assistant superintendent for business, said the decision was based on increased quotes from suppliers.

Portage Schools Superintendent Mike Berta said with the economy on shaky ground, should food prices be pushed even higher, another increase could happen during the school year.

"Laying employees off is the only other option," Berta said.

Black said that's something she's trying to avoid. To help prevent future price adjustments, she's looking into cutting costs on everything from paper products to the gloves employees wear. Some of the more expensive entrees also might be discontinued or served less frequently, with more cost-effective meal options taking their place. While the menu might change, Black said she won't allow the quality to suffer.

"That's the last thing I ever want to do. I think we have a fine program with fine products," Black said.

While his district hasn't passed an increase this year, River Forest Community School Corp. Superintendent James Rice said officials have received quotes higher than last year.

"We don't expect to raise our prices before school starts, but that doesn't mean we won't be taking a look at it because of these increased costs," Rice said.

Libak said that without an increase, some educational programs would suffer.

"We still have to be self-sufficient in food service so that the district can use its money toward students, teachers and educational needs," she said. "Food costs around the country are hurting schools."