Did you know Nutrition Services is an enterprise fund that does not receive general fund support for routine operations, and thus must generate funds through student and adult sales, a la carte sales, and federal and state reimbursement in order to pay operating expenses and fees to the district? Unpaid charges reduce revenue that affects the ability to pay outstanding bills and employee salaries. Uncollected charges may result in higher meal prices for all other students.
1. Charge Policy (Beginning January 18th, 2011)
Any student in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade, who forgets or loses his/her money, may charge a maximum of $5.25 ($2.00 maximum for grades 6-8). Prior to this limit being reached, a written notice will be given to the student to notify the parent/guardian. If payment for charges is not received the next school day, an alternate meal (homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich and white milk) will be served, a full meal will not be provided to the student. In all cases, the charges MUST be paid back.
There are NO charges allowed for students in grades 9 and above.
Families that are struggling to pay for meals are encouraged to complete a free and reduced application, returning it to their child’s kitchen manager or to the Nutrition Services Office at the Educational Services Center at: 18551 East 160th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601. A HUNGRY CHILD CANNOT LEARN.
2. Paying for Meals
All schools use a computerized meal credit system to account for student meals and a la carte sales. Similar to a bank account, each student has a school ID number and money can be added to their account via cash, check, or credit card. Parents/Guardians and/or students are encouraged to pay for meals by check or credit card, thus reducing the chance that lunch money will be forgotten, lost or stolen. Payments can be made for one week, several weeks, or even months in advance. While students still have the option of paying as they go through the line, advance payment will speed transactions, allowing lines to move more quickly and affording more time for eating their meals. Checks should be made payable to your School’s Food and Nutrition Services Department and sent to your student’s school cafeteria. The check should have his/her first name, last name and middle initial and the student ID number to make sure the money is assigned to the right student.
You may also register at PayForIt.com to pay online using a credit card.
3. Paying for Meals FAQ's
Can I put a limit on my child’s account?
Parents/Guardians can decide if they want their child to use his/her meal account for lunch or a la carte items. In addition, they can set a dollar amount that the student cannot exceed each day or prevent the purchase of additional items. To set limits on your student’s account, contact the kitchen manager at your student’s school.
How are checks returned with insufficient funds?
Adams 27J contracts with the 17th Judicial District. They make collections on all returned checks with insufficient funds. The 17th Judicial District will assess a service charge to the parent/guardian in addition to the face value of the check.
How will Parents/Guardians know if their meal account is running low?
Lunchroom managers have been instructed to notify students when their meal account is low. A friendly note or stamp on the hand will be given to the student to take home. The parent/guardian can also contact the lunchroom manager at the school and request the current balance. If using our online payment system, an account balance may be obtained.
What if my child forgets to bring money?
Any student in grades K-5, who forgets or loses his/her money may charge $5.25 ($2.00 maximum for grades 6-8). Prior to this limit being reached, a written notice will be given to the student to notify the parent/guardian. If payment for charges is not received the next school day, an alternate meal consisting of a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich and milk will be served to the student. In all cases, the charges MUST be paid back. There are NO charges allowed in high schools (grades 9 – 12).
