The average lunch a parent sends with their child to school is expected to be 3% higher this year compared to last year, according to a new survey from Deloitte. The report states that the average packed school lunch will be $6.15 this school year, up from $5.99 a year ago.

The report indicates that costs for popular school lunch foods slightly outpaced the rate of inflation over the last year.

The report found that a classic school lunch — one that includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, baby carrots, an apple, cookies, and milk — would cost about 6% more than a year ago, averaging about $4.84 per meal. A more contemporary school lunch meal consisting of a chicken and avocado quesadilla, salsa, mango, a brownie, and juice might run a family about $7.30 per meal.

The report indic

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