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Milk prices historically high, hurting schools

The average price for a gallon of milk is at its highest nationwide average ever at $3.80.

Last year, a gallon of milk on average was $3. Six months later, it was more than $3.29. It jumped up to record $4 dollars a gallon last month.

The skyrocketing milk prices are also reaching beyond the grocery store, it's now affecting some of its smallest consumers.

Many schools say they don't have a choice but to raise the price of milk.

Drinking milk promotes strong bones and healthy teeth.

Second graders at Guntersville Elementary can't seem to get enough of it.

Chocolate milk tastes good to me," said second-grade student Cavin Collie.

But the rising cost of the precious commodity has put Valley schools in a pinch.

"It is absolutely the most expensive that it's been since I've been here. This is my 22nd year with the system," said Connie Hannah, Child Nutrition Program Director for Guntersville City Schools.

Right now a school lunch at Guntersville costs $1.75, which includes milk.

Last year they got it for 19 cents for an 8-ounce carton.

This year it's 6 cents more and the cost will rise, but no one knows how much.

For now lunch prices will stay the same.

"The system's just going to absorb the cost of, because it's so important," said Hannah.

However, they won't have a choice but to raise the cost for an extra half-pint from 25 cents to 35 cents.

"It's the first time we've had to charge the children for an extra carton of milk," said Hannah.

Boaz City Schools have also had to raise the price of milk. Last year it was 17 cents, this year it's 25 cents.

At Marshall Christian Academy, the cost of a second carton of milk has doubled from 25 to 50 cents.