WINDSOR – There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

At least, there isn’t anymore for some children in Bertie County. For the first time, school lunches here will not automatically be free.

If applications for a free lunch are not received by the first day of school (August 27), students will be charged $0.50 each for breakfast and $1.25 for lunch.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Priddy is requesting that applications be sent in as soon as possible.

&uot;Right now there are about 3,000 students we don’t have applications from,&uot; Priddy said.

If a student is already receiving benefits from the department of social services, he or she is automatically eligible and an application is not required.

But for all other students, an application must be turned in prior to the start of school or they will be charged full price for food.

&uot;We’re having to start charging because we’re starting to serve more nutritious food and unfortunately that costs more money,&uot; Priddy explained.

A while back, the school board had unanimously passed a motion to discontinue the free breakfast and lunch program.

Previously, each and every child within the school system automatically got a free breakfast and lunch each day.

Now, the only free meals will be to those who apply and are found eligible for them, or students already receiving benefits from social services.

For more information, call the school system’s food services department at 794-6030.