Students in the Covington County School system will pay more for meals next school year thanks to a new federal mandate.

Child Nutrition Director Carrie Patterson said Tuesday that schools nationwide are required to make the price for paying students equal to the reimbursement schools receive from the federal lunch program.

“This is not anything we have any control over,” Patterson said. “The federal government is saying we have to do this.”

Paid student lunch will increase from $1.75 to $2; an adult employee lunch will increase from $2.25 to $2.50; and a visitor’s lunch will increase from $2.75 to $3.

Paid student breakfast will stay at 75 cents, and anadult employee and a visitor breakfast will increase to $1.25.

In other business, the board approved a request to take bids for site prep, purchase and installation for a walk-in freezer and cooler at Pleasant Home.