Sharon school cafeteria workers will receive a total 2.5 percent pay increase annually for the next three years under a new contract starting July 1.

The school committee approved the three-year deal Wednesday night.

School Superintendent Timothy Farmer said 2.5 percent increase represents the 2 percent step increase the cafeteria workers receive now, plus a .5 percent wage increase.

The workers also will work two additional days, or 182 total, he said. One is for kitchen preparation and the other is for professional development.

School lunch revenue will fund the contract, Farmer said.