The price of school lunch will increase by 25 cents for Marion and Rochester students next year to help offset rising labor and food costs.

“We need a little more revenue,” said Food Service Director Caitlin Meagher.

Marion and Rochester School Committees approved the increase this week after hearing from Meagher that the change was necessary to meet federal guidelines.

For the past few years, Meagher said prices were above the federal minimum requirement. After reviewing finances for the upcoming year she discovered the cost of a lunch would be under the requirement.

Also, money from the increase would be used to maintain and replace equipment in the cafeteria.

With the increase the price of lunch will be $2.75. The change does not affect the cost of free and reduced lunches.