In accordance with state and federal law, the [insert district name] adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.
The Child Nurtition Program operates as a separate entity and a stand-alone non-profit business supporting the total education of each child through the provision of nutritional meals. The program goal is to serve nutritious meals and food to all clients at a minimum cost.
Students who are required to pay for meals are expected to provide payment in a timely fashion. However, the school board recognizes that on occasion students may need to charge a meal. Therefore, each student is allowed $10.00 meal charges. Students may not charge a la carte items. In addition, students may not purchase a la carte items if there are outstanding charges. Daily emails will be provided to allow parents/guardians to know their lunch balances. Parents/guardians can also call Heather Smith at 641-652-7531 ext 3257 to inquire about lunch balances.
Once a $10.00 negative balance has been noted, an alternate meal consisting of a cheese sandwich, fruit or vegetable and a carton of milk will be provided. Students and school staff may prepay in the cafeteria or pay at the time of purchase. School staff may charge up to $6.00. Staff members must also pay for any extra food purchases to comply with Federal Nutrition guidelines. Visitors are not allowed to charge. Parents/guardians can also prepay on our school website under food service.
The district is committed to helping families in time of crisis and in assisting with filing free/reduced lunch documentation. Information can be foudn on our website and also by contacting Heather Smith at 641-652-7531 ext 3257. Families that have unique circumstances should contact the superinendent to discuss the concern. It is the discretion of the superintendent to adjust the policy above in a case-by-case situation.
Communication of the Policy
The policy and supporting information regarding meal charges shall be provided in writing to:
• All households at or before the start of each school year;
• Students and families who transfer into the district, at time of transfer; and
• All staff responsible for enforcing any aspect of the policy.
Records of how and when the policy and supporting information was communicated to households and staff will be retained.
The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
7 C.F.R. §§ 210 et seq.
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 46-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Local Meal Charge Policies (2016).
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 47-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Clarification on Collection of Delinquent Meal Payments (2016).
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 57-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Guidance and Q&A (2016).
Iowa Code 283A.
281 I.A.C. 58.
Cross Reference: 710.1 School Food Program
710.2 Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility
710.3 Vending Machine
Approved Reviewed November 2022 Revised March 19, 2018