City to Hike School Lunch Price

The daily price of lunch for New York City students will be raised from $1.50 to $1.75 beginning September 30, a spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Education confirmed Wednesday night. The plan was finalized as part of the City's budget package, which was approved earlier this summer.

It will be the first time the price has increased in a decade — a time when "meal costs have risen due to higher food and labor prices as we continue to improve the healthfulness and taste of our menu options,” said Stephanie Browne, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education.

Students from low-income neighborhoods, or those who have been deemed eligible to receive reduced-price lunch, will receive free lunch. Breakfast will continue to be provided free to all students, Browne said.

The city’s mayoral candidates are expected to publicly respond to the price increase Thursday.