The Tamaqua Area School District has announced a slight increase in the cost of school lunches for the 2011-2012 school year. The increase is mandatory, according to Foodservice Director Kristin Melnick, "in response to a change under section 205 of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, which requires schools participating in the School Nutrition Programs to price their paid meals to ensure reimbursement received for free or reduced price meals is not offsetting the cost to produce a paid meal."

As of Aug. 30, 2011, the price of a school lunch will be: High and middle school - $2.30; all three elementary schools - $2.05.Prices for reduced lunches will remain at $.40 at all district locations. Updated information will be made available on the Nutritional Services section of the district's website,

www.tamaqua.k.12.pa.us.