ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- School meals will cost more in 2022-23 for students in the Aberdeen School District.

Universal free lunch has been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that program is ending with the upcoming school year.

Lunches will increase in price by 35 cents, while breakfasts will increase by 20 cents, said Finance Director Tom Janish at the regular school board meeting Monday evening. The overall increase is about 9.26%, he said.

Breakfast at public elementary schools will cost $2.40, while lunch will cost $3.35. Breakfast at the middle schools will cost $2.55, and lunch will cost $3.50. At Central High School, breakfast will cost $2.75, and lunch will cost $3.80. The rate for adults will be $3.05 for breakfast and $4.55 for lunch.

One of the main reasons for the higher prices is inflation, school board members learned. Additionally, the school district has not increased meal prices in the past four years.

The district’s lunch management company, Lunchtime Solutions, also increased its prices by 4.5%.

Check out the full story at www.aberdeennews.com.