September 10, 1999

Wyoming Area School District

Food Service Department

Proposed Policy on “Lunch Charges”

Realizing that a student forgets or loses his/her lunch money occasionally, it is necessary to set up some policy guidelines concerning excess charging of meals in the food service department.  A policy is necessary due to the fluctuations in the overwhelming amount of meals charged “on account” by some students, along the difficulty in retrieving these funds.  Therefore, it is proposed that:

1.  A charge balance at any one time on paid “Type A” meals are placed at a maximum equal to that of three lunches.  (Example: set at current lunch prices, elementary lunch - $1.35 x 3 = $4.05 maximum charge, secondary - $1.65 x 3 = $4.95 maximum charge) 

2.  As the balance “on account” is paid off, the charge policy will be available to repeat itself to the student. (Example:  student pays money toward his/her charged amount, then the child is allowed to again charge a lunch up to the maximum charge)

3.  Students and/or parents will be notified if a charge exists on the students account.  Request for the money will be sent to the child’s home.

4.  If a child has an excess of three meals charged to his/her account, the child will be provided with a sandwich.  (Peanut Butter & Jelly or Cheese Sandwich) Although the meal will not be the featured lunch, no child will be denied something to eat.

5.  Only “Type A - reimbursable meals” may be charged.  Other items, such as snacks or A La Carte foods, cannot be charged. 

6.  Parents/students may pre-pay on their child’s lunch account at any time.  This is ideal for students that have difficulty in handling or misusing their lunch money.  A statement concerning prepaying will be explained several times per year on the monthly school lunch menu.  

Note:  This proposal is similar to policies of other local school districts.