NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Rising food prices are forcing many families to change their habits, and now a local school district could have to make some changes too.

Laura Hussey/Reporting "The Okaloosa County School District established its central kitchen about ten years ago, hoping consolidation would be the most cost effective way to go. School district rules say food service isn't supposed to make money, it just needs to break even. But for the last three years, they haven't even been doing that"

The Okaloosa County School District Nutrition Center makes about fifteen thousand meals a day......and sends them to lunchrooms all over the school district.

Economies of scale worked in the beginning, but not any more.

Rick Norris/Director of Food Service and Purchasing "We couldn't raise the prices of meals to keep up with the prices, the cost of food and diesel fuel"

All bulk foods come to the central kitchen first, then some are trucked to the schools for preparation, increasing fuel costs. One alternative is direct deliveries to the schools.

Ryan Decarlis/Niceville HS "I can see that being better."

Students like Ryan Decarlis are well aware the district is in a cost crunch.

Ryan Decarlis "It's affected us in athletics, extracurricular stuff, everything's been kinda held back"

Another possible solution......contracting a private company to run the food service program.

Rick Norris "Nothing's sacred in today's economy"

Laura Hussey/ Reporting "For now a school district team is collecting information on all the options, which they'll present to the Board next month. Reporting in Niceville, Laura Hussey, Channel Three News.

The school district is planning a pilot program to see if direct deliveries save money.

They're starting with Baker and Laurel Hill schools.Okaloosa Main School Kitchen Closing