Meal Charge Policy

MEAL CHARGE POLICY

The Schuylkill Technology Center participates in the National School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. The process to apply for Free and Reduced Meals is done by an online application. It is fast and easy to apply. To get started, please visit www.schoolcafe.com. A paper application can be mailed to you or given to the student if you are unable to apply online. Please call the school office for information. Applications will be accepted at any time during the school year.

Schuylkill Technology Center utilizes a Point of Service System (POS) for meal purchases. Payments can be made to the student accounts online or by cash and check directly at the school. The ability for a student to charge his/her lunch is done so as a courtesy by the school district to accommodate the student who on occasion forgets to bring lunch money. It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to monitor the cash balance in the student’s account to assure that sufficient funds are on hand to cover the cost of all meal purchases and to deposit funds whenever necessary.

Due to Federal regulations, the Pennsylvania Legislature approved Act 55 of 2017 amending Section 1337 of the school code. As per this change, students will no longer be denied a reimbursable meal. Students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch meals, regardless of the standing of the student’s school meal account. The student will be charged for the meal according to the student’s meal status (full price or reduced) even though they may have an outstanding balance. However, no items other than a reimbursable meal (snacks, water, drinks, etc.) may be charged to the student’s account if there is a negative balance in the student’s account.

Parents/guardians will be notified when the student’s balance becomes negative. A letter to the parent/guardian will be sent when the balance exceeds the cost of 5 meals. Reminder letters will be sent at least once a month and as necessary for all students whose balance is more than negative $10.00. Follow up communication will be done by the administration of each school by a private meeting with the student and/or a phone call to the parent/guardian. At least 2 attempts will be made to contact the parent/guardian to encourage them to complete a meal application. Numerous attempts will be made to collect the balance due. If these attempts are unsuccessful by the end of the school year, unpaid balances may be turned over to a collection agency.

The student’s account balance will remain with the student from year to year.

This policy will be distributed with the student packets on the first day of school and to new students during the school year. It will also be included in the student handbook and posted on our website.