Lunch prices increase in Etowah County Schools

Students in Etowah County Schools will be paying more to eat in school lunchrooms this year. The cost will be raised to $2.25 for students, $2.75 for teachers and $3.75 for visitors.

Breakfast prices will remain at $1 for students, $1.25 for staff and $3 for visitors.

School officials say the increase is required to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Under the act, schools must charge paying students roughly the same amount of reimbursement they receive from the federal government for free and reduced-price lunches.

Even though the price has increased, Officials said the meals students receive remain a good value.

Officials said even though breakfast costs are not increasing, there will be more breakfast options this year. Some schools are expanding to a second breakfast schedule during break.