Friday, November 20, 2009

Child Nutrition Program

How does the Food Service program work?

The Alvin ISD Food Services is operated in accordance with the USDA's National School Lunch & Breakfast Programs and the Summer Feeding Program guidelines. Our 21 cafeterias and satellites must serve our meals according to those guidelines in order to receive federal payments (reimbursements) on each meal. By qualifying for reimbursements, we can offer reduced rates on meals that actually cost us over twice our meal prices.

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What is "Offer Vs. Serve" and "Components"?

To qualify, we must serve certain food components (food groups) in certain amounts. For instance at breakfast, we must offer students 4 components:

  1. 8 oz. Milk; (1 component)
  2. 2 breads, or 2 meats, or 1 meat & 1 bread; (2 components)
  3. and a 1/2 cup fruit or juice. (1 component)

They only have to take (be served) 3 of the 4, or they can have all 4. The price is the same.
For lunch, we must offer 5 components:

  1. a minimum serving of 2 oz. or more meat or meat alternate (like cheese or eggs) (1 component)
  2. two fruit or vegetables to equal ¾ cup minimum total (2 components)
  3. one bread or bread alternate (like rice or pasta) (1 component)
  4. 8 oz. milk (1 component)

They only have to take (be served) 3 of the 5 components or they can take all 5 at the same price.
This is called Offer Vs. Serve meal service. It allows the students choices and also helps us keep prices lower for our students, while insuring they receive a well-balanced nutritious meal. Sometimes we ask a student who has not taken the minimum number of items on his tray to select another item to make the meal reimbursable. This helps us keep our reimbursement and allows the student to pay a lower price for an entire meal, instead of paying for each item separately (a la carte) when the required number of items are not taken.

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How does the student pay for meals?

Our district has computerized its food service registers. When a student enters the AISD system, he is given a PIN number that will follow him through all of the grades at that particular campus. Entering the PIN number at the cash register brings up your child's account. Every student in the school district, regardless of his or her ability to pay, is issued a PIN number.

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What happens when my child's account runs out of money?

Neither the district, TEA nor USDA will allow us to serve meals without payment. Our district will offer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a carton of milk at the elementary level to any student without lunch money. Should the student require a sandwich twice in a row, we will refer the student's lack of a meal to a counselor. You may contact the campus office for any additional assistance in regards to students without lunch money.

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If my student leaves Alvin Schools, how do I get my account balance refunded?

The parent must contact the cafeteria manager and fill out a refund form. The manager will look up the account and put the balance on the refund form and turn it in to the Food Service Administration Office that same day. The Business Office cuts and mails checks every Friday. Depending on when the refund form was submitted, you should receive your check in about two weeks.

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How do I apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals?

To qualify for the Free & Reduced-price meal benefits, a student's parent or guardian must fill out an application. The application is available in English and Spanish to students at every campus office or cafeteria. A new application must be filled out at the beginning of each new school year. AISD uses household forms so all household members should be listed on one form. Only one form should be turned in for the entire household. Multiple applications slow us down. Follow the instructions carefully so the application will not have to be returned to you for corrections.
If the household income falls within the income guidelines as set by USDA each year, then you will be notified within 10 days of receipt of the application of the approval status. The cafeteria computer accounts are updated nightly as students are approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits. Meal eligibility is kept strictly confidential. The codes are confidential and only the student and cashier know the student's status. It is against the law to overtly identify any student by status.

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How do I know what is being served daily?

Elementary school menus are distributed at the beginning of each year. We follow a three-week menu cycle. Substitutions may occur on the menu due to product availability, student preferences and government commodity inventories. We try very hard to supply what is on the menu to every elementary child in the district.

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Non-Discrimination Statement:  This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.  In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.