File: EFDA

School Food Service Department Policy

Each Gardner Public Schools student who is provided with a breakfast or lunch during the school year shall pay for any such meal, either at the time the meal is provided or in advance, unless s/he has duly qualified for free meals under rules and regulations established by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent meal account procedures throughout the district. Unpaid charges place a financial strain on the district. The goals of this policy are:

· To treat all students with dignity in the serving line;

· To support positive situations with district staff, district business policies, students and parent/guardian to the maximum extent possible;

· To establish policies that are age appropriate;

· To encourage parent/guardian to assume the responsibility of meal payments and to promote student responsibility.

The scope of responsibility for the food service department: responsible for maintaining charge records and notifying the school district of outstanding balances; for the School District: responsible for notifying the student’s parent/guardian with written documentation; and for the parent/guardian: immediate payment of accounts in arrears.

Students at Gardner High School and Gardner Middle School will be allowed to charge two (2) meals. These meals will include only menu items that are part of the reimbursable meal. After the second charge, a letter to the student’s parent/guardian will be generated by the Food Service Department using the food service software program. The letter will be given to the Principal or designee for mailing.

In order to allow time for receipt of the letter and payment, three (3) additional meals only (for a total of five) may be charged. No additional meals will be provided until the account is brought up to date.

Students at Gardner Public Schools’ elementary schools will be allowed to charge two (2) meals. These meals will include only menu items that are part of the reimbursable meal. After the second charge, a letter to the student’s parent/guardian will be generated by the Food Service Department using the food service software program. The letter will be given to the Principal or designee for mailing.

In order to allow time for receipt of the letter and payment, three (3) additional meals only (for a total of five) may be charged. After the fifth charge, the student will be given a designated menu alternate (at the option of the principal).

[Adopted: January 2010]

School Committee Policy Manual – Gardner Public Schools