As kids are heading back to school this week, some parents are stocking up on food for lunches.

Other parents are loading the student's meal plan with money so they can buy at school.

This year, parents will be spending more money than before.

Every year, the cost of school lunches go up because of general price increase.

Now, local school districts are required to raise their lunch prices every year.

Schools are increasing theirs until they reach the federal reimbursement rate, currently at $2.86.

Frederick County Public Schools Supervisor of School Nutrition says the free lunch program is the reason why the government has a standard rate.

"To equalize the reimbursement we receive through the free lunch program we receive from the federal government to equal the amount that the paid customers are paying. So we will continue to increase prices for years to come until we meet this level," said Supervisor of School Nutrition, Jennifer White.

For this year, Frederick County Public Schools raised their prices by ten cents.

White says the rates can vary based on individual school information.

For elementary it's $2.20 and for middle school and high school it's $2.45. High schoolers also have an option of a premium lunch which costs $2.55.

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