Price increase for school meals: Parents in VG Birkenfeld have to dig deeper into their pockets

Price increase for school meals: Parents in VG Birkenfeld have to dig deeper into their pockets

In the municipality of Birkenfeld, things will be a little more expensive for many parents after the summer holidays. The municipality has increased the prices for childcare and lunch at primary schools. This affects the four primary schools of the VG: the Birkenfeld primary school, the Brücken primary school, the Hoppstädten-Weiersbach primary school and the Niederbrombach primary school. Loud Rhine newspaper Parents must expect an increase of 16 euros per month if they have their child looked after for more than 15 hours per week.

The decision was made by the council of VG Birkenfeld and will come into force after the summer holidays. The measure shows that the financial burdens caused by rising costs have also reached school care. Parents who rely on long-term care are particularly faced with a new challenge.

Background information on pricing

As the legal regulation for calculating parental contributions in North Rhine-Westphalia states, the contributions for childcare workers or daycare centers are determined by the local public youth welfare provider, in most cases the youth welfare office. The amount of these contributions varies depending on the municipality and city, informed Family portal NRW.

The parental contributions should always take into account the economic performance of the family, as well as the actual care time. This is intended to ensure that the contributions for care are fair and socially graded. Parents are required to submit the necessary documents regarding benefits received to the responsible youth welfare office in order to benefit from possible discounts.

Freedom from contributions and new regulations from August 2025

Things will get interesting from August 1, 2025, when a new parental contribution statute comes into force in Cologne. This shows changes in the exemption from contributions that applies to children in the last two years before compulsory schooling. Children who will be required to attend school on August 1, 2025 will benefit from exemption from contributions from this date, as the city of Cologne stated in a statement their website explained.

In addition, notices of exemption from contributions are expected to be sent before August 1, 2025. Families with an annual income of up to 24,542 euros should not have to pay any contributions from this date, while new contribution rates for higher incomes, from 100,000 euros, will come into force. The maximum level starts at 160,000 euros.

Another important detail: The meal allowance is not included in the parental contribution and must be paid separately to the respective provider. This not only affects the municipal facilities, but also other providers who provide care. It is therefore advisable for all parents to find out about the new regulations in good time.

Changing contributions is an issue that is consistently important to many families. Regardless of whether in Birkenfeld or Cologne, the rising costs of parental care are forcing parents to adjust their financial plans. In this regard, it is essential to keep an eye on new developments so as not to encounter any surprises.