Costs of Foods Purchased by USDA and Local School Systems, 1973/74

Prices paid for 15 foods by USDA and different-size school systems were compared for 1973/74. School systems were grouped into five size categories ranging from fewer than 2,500 students to 25,000 or more. Data were obtained from telephone interviews with school personnel. The average price paid per pound of all foods was substantially lower for school systems with 25,000 or more students than for those with fewer than 2,500 students. Products with greatest cost differences were turkey, chicken, ground beef, and frankfurters. Price paid per pound averaged over 7 percent higher for all schools than for USDA