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Nutrition
Lunch Program Basics
All USDA/TDA nutrition programs are based on nutrient standards. The nutrient-based planning process used in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD organizes foods into three groups - entrees, sides and milk. All menus offered in the cafeteria are planned by a Registered Dietitian and meet the nutritional guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Parents can be assured that students consuming the full meal each day will receive one-fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) at breakfast and one-third of the RDA's at lunch. Here is how it works:
School Breakfast: Breakfast offerings consist of a choice of milk, a choice of juice/fruit, and a choice of a breakfast item. Students may choose two or three items from the menu for the meal price of $1.25. Additional items or two of any one item will be considered a la carte and priced accordingly.
Elementary Lunch: At lunch elementary students may select one of the entrees, two of the side dishes and milk. Elementary students must select an entrée and at least one other item, to receive meal benefits or be charged the student price. Students may select a variety of 2-4 items, including the Entree, to receive the meal at the unit price of $2.25. For example:
1 entree, 1 side and 1 milk (three items) or 1 entree, 2 sides, and 1 milk (4 items) or 1 entree, 2 sides (three items) or 1 entree, 1 side (two items) or 1 entree, 1 milk (two items). Any student not taking enough items for a reimbursable meal will be charged the a la carte prices for the item(s). Any selection that exceeds the total of four items will be charged at the a la carte price as well.
Secondary Lunch: For lunch secondary students may select one of the entrees, three of the side dishes and milk. Secondary students must select an entrée and at least two other items, to receive meal benefits or be charged the student price. Secondary students may select a variety of 3-4 items, including the entree to receive the meal at the unit price of $2.50. For example: 1 entree, 1 side and 1 milk (three items) or 1 entree, 2 sides and 1 milk (four items) or 1 entree, 3 sides and 1 milk (five items) or 1 entree, 2 sides (three items) or 1 entree, 3 sides (four items). Any student not taking enough items for a reimbursable meal will be charged the a la carte price for the item(s). Any selection that exceeds five items will be charged at the a la carte prices as well.
Computerized Cafeteria System and Pin Numbers: All students use their unique district student I. D. as a "pin number". This "pin number" allow students to access their individual account. When the student inputs their number the computer system accesses his/her account and determines the amount due depending on the money that has been pre-deposited on account or the child's meal benefit status. It is used each day in the cafeteria and for payments on lunch accounts. To help the serving lines move faster and allow more time for students to eat, children should memorize their PIN number. Please practice your children's PIN numbers with them at home.
Payments on Student Meal Accounts
You may prepay in person by cash or check at your student's school or pay online via credit card. You will find an "Online Payment" button located in the center about 2/3 the way down the home page. This will open a box that has a link for cafeteria payments. Parents will need their child's student identification number. This is the six digit student identification number, not a social security number. This may be found on your child's campus schedule and/or enrollment information.
Parents will need a valid MasterCard, Visa, or Discover card for online payment. Note: It may take up to 24 hours for the money to appear in the student's account at the campus level.
Any balance remaining on students account will be available for use the following year and balances will transfer with the student if they change schools. If a student moves out of the district or at the end of the year any money remaining on a students account can be refunded. Parents should complete a refund form available from the cafeteria manager. This request will be processed and a check for the remaining balance will be mailed to the requestor. This may take up to 10 business days.
Student Meal Charging Policy
In the event that a student looses their money or runs out of money on their account we will allow a student to charge. However, elementary students will only be extended $14.00 and secondary students $5.50 of credit. Charges will be taken out of any future payments and unpaid charges will carry over each year. Student Nutrition is extending this credit with the full intent that all charges will be paid. Once a student reaches the limit, no more charging will be allowed and students without money will be given a complimentary vegetable plate consisting of three fruit/vegetable servings and milk. It is our goal for no child to go without a meal; however, we cannot feed children indefinitely without money.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application (for Qualifying Families)
Families who cannot pay the full price may apply for a reduced/free price meal. Application forms are given to each student at the beginning of each school year. Parents should complete only one application per household. The Student Nutrition Department will review all applications. Parents will be notified of the results within ten days of receipt of the application. Notification letters will be mailed to the address on file with the school so parents should ensure it is accurate. All applications will be handled privately and information will be kept confidential. Students who participate in this program will be treated in the same manner as those who pay the full price.
Parents may return the application to the schools, or Student Nutrition office. Applications can also be mailed to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Student Nutrition Office, at 1505 Randolph St., Carrollton, TX 75006. Applications will be processed in the order that they are received. Each student who was enrolled on the last day of school and received benefits will continue to receive benefits for a short grace period (less than 20 days) at the beginning of the school year. Parents are encouraged to return applications as soon as possible to prevent the loss of benefits. A new application must be received each school year. If the grace period expires before an application is processed and approved the student will be charged the full price for meal.
Special Diet Request:
Student Nutrition works jointly with the school nurses to provide for students with special medical dietary needs. All requests for special dietary modifications must include a written order and a prescribed diet from the student's doctor or a registered dietitian. Parents can contact the school nurse or the Student Nutrition Department for information on such accommodations.
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