The District and Nutrition Inc. seek to provide nutritious meals and plenty of options for students because no child can learn if they are hungry.  Although it is first a parental responsibility to provide lunch money for students, we fully understand that, as a parent, we sometimes forget to send money to school or make that lunch account payment. For the benefit of the child, the district has taken several steps to help.

Automatic Reminder

The district’s automated notification system will place a phone call every evening to the home when a child’s lunch account has a negative balance.

Web Based Options

To further help, the district provides a web-based service called School Cafe.  By creating an account with School Cafe, parents can set their own threshold for notification.  For instance, instead of waiting for a negative balance, the system can be set to send parents an email notice when their child’s account reaches $10.  School Cafe also allows parents to make online payments with their credit cards and monitor what your child is eating on a daily basis.  Parents can access the program at schoolcafe.com.

Accounts with a Negative Balance:

Sometimes though, these preventative measures are not sufficient.  In this case, the district has put in place the following guidelines when a student’s lunch account has a negative balance.

Central Elementary (Grades Kindergarten – 4)

When an account approaches a negative balance, the district will send home a letter to the parent reminding them of the need to place additional funds on their child’s account.

When an account balance is negative, a student may charge three (3) lunches.

After charging three (3) lunches, the child will be provided a regular sandwich meal with their choice of sides of fruit, vegetables, and milk. This meal will be charged to the student’s account.

Rommelt Elementary (Grades 5-6)

When an account balance is negative, a student may charge two (2) lunches.

After charging two (2) lunches, the child will be provided with a regular sandwich meal with their choice of sides of fruit, vegetables, and milk. This meal will be charged to the student’s account.

High School (Grades 7-12)

When an account balance is negative, a student may charge one (1) lunch.

After charging one (1) lunch, the student will be provided with a regular  sandwich meal with their choice of sides of fruit, vegetables, and milk. This meal will be charged to the student’s account.

Corrected Account Balances:

If necessary, You may work directly with your child’s principal to set up a payment plan to correct negative balances.  We want to work with you to resolve this situation quickly.

If you have a specific question or concern,  please do not hesitate to contact your student’s principal or the Food Service Director:

Tara Stryker
Email: tstryker@swasd.org
Phone: (570)320-4495