The cost of a primary school meal will increase by 15 pence from Monday 4 November.
This means parents will pay £2.55 instead of £2.40 per meal following the autumn half-term. Children eligible for free school meals will not be affected.
Each year, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) allocates a portion of its annual budget to subsidise school meals, which helps to cover expenses such as ingredients, kitchen staff and equipment maintenance.
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
'The decision follows an annual review, which found the costs of producing and serving primary school meals has risen significantly. I understand that parents may not welcome the increase, but even at the new price, the cost will not fully cover the cost of provision.'
