710.5 - Child Nutrition Program - Family Fiscal Responsibility

Elementary and Secondary

The purpose of the policy is to ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements for the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) and to provide oversight and accountability for the collection of outstanding student meal balances (meal charges) and school meal accounts with credit balances.

Fairfield CSD Child Nutrition Program aims to implement an enforceable and effective meal charge procedure that treats students with respect and dignity, maintains a positive experience for students during breakfast and lunch service, establishes age appropriate practices, promotes parent responsibility for meal payments and self-responsibility for the student.

It is the parent’s responsibility to read and understand all communications regarding the school meal program related to procedures for applying for free/reduced meals, school meal charges, negative school meal account balances and credit balances for students leaving the district or graduating. 

 

Balance Availability and Notification 

Each week the Child Nutrition Program sends out low and negative balance Email Alerts and text to all households that have provided a valid email or cell phone number.  Parents/Guardians may also check their child’s account balance at any time using the Campus Portal. Monthly letters are also sent out to all accounts which carry a negative balance of $-5.00 or more.   

 

Negative Balances following an Eligibility Change

When a student’s account has an Eligibility change to “Free” Status, any negative balance accrued before the eligibility change must be paid in full. 

 

Credit Balances

When a student lunch account is closed out the balance remaining will be refunded to the student’s parents/guardian. 

The following outlines the school meal charge policy for each school level:

 

High School Charging Procedure

High School Students are allowed to charge up to $15 for reimbursable meals (at least three of the offered meal components consisting of a meat, fruits/vegetables, bread and milk).  Any student whose account exceeds this maximum charge limit will be offered an alternate meal consisting of; Fruit, Vegetable and Milk. The student will be charged for the alternate meal. Therefore, we ask that you make every attempt to reconcile your child’s account as soon as possible or contact the Child Nutrition Program Director at 641-472-2655 ext. 6703. 

No alternate meal will be offered. Students will not be allowed to charge ala carte items if they have a negative balance. Negative balances must be paid in full before students can purchase any ala carte items.

 

Middle School Charging Procedure

Middle School Students will be allowed to charge $15 for reimbursable meals (at least three of the offered meal components consisting of a meat, fruits/vegetables, bread and milk).  Students will not be allowed to charge ala carte items. We ask that you make every attempt to reconcile your child’s account as soon as possible or contact the Child Nutrition Program Director at 641-472-2655 ext. 6703. 

Elementary School Charging Procedure

Elementary School Students will be allowed to charge $15 for reimbursable meals (at least three of the offered meal components consisting of a meat, fruits/vegetables, bread and milk).  Therefore, we ask that you make every attempt to reconcile your child’s account as soon as possible or contact the Child Nutrition Program Director at 641-472-2655 ext. 6703. 

Staff and Adult Guest Charging Policy

All staff will be provided a meal account for prepaid purchases.  No purchases will be allowed that result in a negative balance.

 

The priority of the Fairfield Community School District Child Nutrition Program is to serve our students delicious, healthy and well-balanced meals in an inviting atmosphere.  The Food Service Director reserves the authority to make exceptions that are in the child’s best interest, based on special circumstances, but not in violation of Civil Rights laws.

 

 

Approved: Mar. 28, 2022        
Reviewed:  Jul 25, 2016, Mar. 28, 2022   
Revised: Mar. 28, 2022