School Meals: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do school meals cost?

• Meal prices vary by grade level. Breakfast and lunch prices are set each school year and can be found on our SchoolCafe.com site or by contacting Nutrition Services.

• Families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals through an application.

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2. How do I pay for my student’s meals?

• Payments can be made online through SchoolCafe.com, via the mobile app, or by sending cash/check to your student’s school cafeteria.

• You can also set up low-balance alerts and recurring payments.

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3. What is included in a school lunch?

• We follow the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards.

• A full lunch includes: Grains, Protein (meat/meat alternate), Vegetables, Fruit, and Milk.

• Students must select at least 3 of the 5 items, and one must be a ½ cup of fruit or vegetable.

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4. Can my student bring a lunch from home?

• Yes. Students are welcome to bring meals from home. Milk and a la carte items may be purchased separately in the cafeteria.

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5. What if my child has food allergies or dietary needs?

• We accommodate students with medically documented allergies or dietary restrictions.

• A Medical Statement for Students Requiring Special Meals form must be completed by a licensed medical provider and submitted to Nutrition Services.

• Menus clearly label common allergens.

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6. How do I apply for free or reduced-price meals?

• Applications are available online at SchoolCafe.com or as a paper form from your school office.

• Families can apply anytime during the school year if household income or circumstances change.

• All information is confidential.

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7. What happens if my student forgets their lunch money?

• No student will be denied a meal.

• If there isn’t money in the account, charges will be applied, and families will be notified of the balance.

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8. Are school meals healthy?

• Yes! Meals are planned by registered dietitians to meet USDA nutrition standards.

• Each meal includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk.

• Sodium, fat, and calorie limits are closely monitored.

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9. How do I see what’s on the menu?

• Menus are posted on SchoolCafe.com and updated regularly.

• Families can view nutritional information, allergens, and upcoming “Taste It Tuesday” new fruit & veggie samplings.

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10. What if my student only wants milk or an extra entrée?

• Students may purchase milk, extra entrees, or a la carte items separately. Prices are listed on SchoolCafe.

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11. Can I limit what my child buys in the cafeteria?

• Yes. Parents can set restrictions in SchoolCafe (e.g., no a la carte snacks, milk only, etc.).

• We encourage families to also talk with their student about healthy choices.

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12. Who can I contact with questions about school meals?

• Please reach out to Nutrition Services at 816-736-5376 or InfoNutrition@lps53.org. We’re here to help!