Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Parents,
Food Services would like to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year. We look forward to serving both you and your child's need and hope create an environment that is conducive to establishing healthy and nutritional standards. In case you are new to the district or have some general questions, this letter will hopefully answer some of your concerns.
Q: How will I know if my child can qualify for free or reduced lunch?
A: The qualification guidelines are published in the newspapers at the beginning of the year. However, we cannot give you the qualification guidelines due to government regulations. We highly encourage you to fill out an application. Applications can be obtained from your school's office or the Food Services Office located at 2021 Crystal Bend Dr (next to Durham Transportation). Filling out the form is quick, easy, and confidential. You will be notified through the mail whether you were accepted or denied. To expedite the process, please complete all the required fields. You will be responsible for cafeteria charges and costs incurred until your application is approved, and students(s) will need to pay the full meal price.
Q: What are the meal prices for the 2008-2009 school year?
A: Breakfast is $1.25 for all students. Lunch is $2.00 for elementary students and $2.25 for secondary students. Adults/visitors lunch costs $2.60.
Q: How do I put money into my student’s account and is there a minimum amount?
A: You may place money on your child's account by using the district's website pre-payment option available on-line. This system allows you to place money into an account and view spending habits. Additionally, you or your child may put money into his/her account by turning the cash or check payment into the teacher, cafeteria manager, or cashier. You can put as little or as much money as you want into the account. Please make checks payable to your school's cafeteria and include the child's name.
Once the money is received, it is put into your child's account under his/her ID number which is their 6-digit student identification number assigned by the main office. Once the child comes through the line they will enter their ID number which will automatically debit their account balance.
Q: How will I know if my child's balance is running low or they're completely out of money? Also, what happens if my child has no money in their account and forgets to bring money?
A: Depending on the school, your child will be notified anywhere from one to three days ahead of time with a stamp on their hand and/or a “meal money needed” note to take home. Secondary students will be notified verbally. Account balances can also be obtained via myLunchmoney.com.
If the child is completely out of money, we will allow the child to charge two hot meals at breakfast and at lunch. If the child still does not have money after the charge, the child will be given a cheese sandwich, milk, and a side item.
Q: What happens if my check bounces?
A: In the unlikely event your check is returned unpaid by our bank, CheckSmart may deposit your check electronically. Additionally, they will collect a returned check fee of $30.00 plus applicable sales tax. CheckSmart's telephone number is 1-888-851-6634.
Q: How do you ensure your meals are meeting the nutrition requirements for school-aged children?
A: According to federal guidelines, the Food Service Department is required to meet certain nutrition requirements for each specific age/grade level. We use a USDA approved nutrient-standard software program that automatically calculates the nutritional components of each meal we are serving. This software ensures that we are following state and federal guidelines. The software also ensures compliance according to Texas Department of Agriculture guidelines.
Q: Do you offer snacks? If I want to limit my child to only purchasing snacks on certain days or no snacks at all, how do I do that?
A: Please inform your Cafeteria Manager or the Food Service office, and we will be happy to make a note of the specific instructions for your child. Every time your child's account is pulled up, such notations are included.
We know this list of questions is not all inclusive. For further information, please contact your Cafeteria Manager or the Food Services Office.