NORFOLK – Like so many things, the price of school lunches is going up in several Hampton Roads cities.

Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesapeake have increased prices; not so in Virginia Beach and Hampton.

The Norfolk School Board Wednesday night is considering a 25-cent increase, raising lunch to $1.35 for elementary students and $1.50 for middle and high school students.

Video: Norfolk considers raising school lunch prices

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By 2010, the cost for a hot lunch will be nearly $2.00.

The increase over three years will help pay for rising food costs and pay increases for cafeteria workers. 

Amber Bagley says she’ll consider packing lunch for her son when he gets old enough to go to school.

“I would rather pack. Then you can get your own choices, probably cut your cost in half,” she notes.

Officials say they're trying to be sensitive to concerns and stress no child will be left hungry.

If the increase is approved, Norfolk school officials say the prices will be below the state average.