To avoid overtly identifying students who have a zero or negative meal account balance, the following policy has been implemented.
Once a student meal account reaches zero ($0.00), the Food Service Department will allow students to purchase a “Meal Only” (no ala carte purchases). The Food Service Department will contact the parent/guardian to notify them of the student's balance and provide information on how to apply free or reduced meals. The Food Service Department will create a payment plan upon request. If the account remains insufficient for 5 days, the students account will be blocked from any further charging. The student will be offered a courtesy meal consisting of a Peanut Butter/Jelly sandwich or Cheese sandwich, and a choice of milk at no cost to the student.
Balance reminder letters are sent home with elementary and middle school students weekly. Junior high and high school students are notified verbally at the cash register as their balance approaches zero and balance reminders are mailed every two weeks. All negative balances must be paid by the end of the school year or will be transferred to the district fee collection system.