710 SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES
710 SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES Jen@iowaschool… Thu, 07/11/2019 - 17:54710.1 SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
710.1 SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMThe school district will operate a school nutrition program in each attendance center. The school nutrition program will include meals through participation in the National School Lunch Program. Students may bring their lunches from home and purchase milk and other incidental items.
School nutrition program facilities are provided to serve students and employees when school is in session and during school-related activities. They may also be used under the supervision of the Food Service Director for food service to employee groups, parent-teacher meetings, civic organizations meeting for the purpose of better understanding the schools, and senior citizens in accordance with law and board policy.
The school nutrition program is operated on a nonprofit basis. The revenues of the school nutrition program will be used only for the operation or improvement of such programs. Supplies of the school nutrition program will only be used for the school nutrition program.
The board will set, and annually review, the prices for school nutrition programs. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding the prices of the school nutrition programs, in accordance with federal and state law.
It is the responsibility of Food Service Director to administer the program and to cooperate with the superintendent and appropriate personnel for the proper functioning of the school nutrition program.
The district shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations required for procurement, including the selection and evaluation of contractors. The superintendent or designee is responsible for developing an administrative process to implement this policy, including, but not limited to, procedures related to suspension and debarment for transactions subject to those requirements.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.
NOTE: Superintendents will make the annual recommendation to the board after they have completed the Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) tool. For additional information, please visit the “Nutrition Programs” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq..
7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq..
Iowa Code ch. 283A.
281 I.A.C. 58.
Cross Reference: 710.2 Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility
710.3 Vending Machines
710.4 Meal Charge Policy
905 Use of School District Facilities and Equipment
Approved 12/13/91 Reviewed 11/22/22 Revised 7/17/24
710.01-R(1) Regulation: School Food Program-School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaints Procedure
710.01-R(1) Regulation: School Food Program-School Nutrition Program Civil Rights Complaints ProcedureUSDA Child Nutrition Programs in Iowa
Procedures for Handling a Civil Rights Complaint
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Civil rights complaints related to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Care Snack Program, Summer Food Service Program, Seamless Summer Option, or Child and Adult Care Food Program are written or verbal allegations of discrimination based on USDA protected classes of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability.
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Any person claiming discrimination has a right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. See below for additional Iowa Civil Rights information. A civil rights complaint based on the protected classes listed in #1 above must be forwarded to the address on the nondiscrimination statement.
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All complaints, whether written or verbal, must be accepted by the School Food Authority (SFA)/Sponsor/Organization and forwarded to USDA at the address or link on the nondiscrimination statement within 5 calendar days of receipt. An anonymous complaint should be handled the same way as any other. Complaint forms may be developed, but their use cannot be required. If the complainant makes the allegations verbally or in a telephone conversation and is reluctant or refuses to put them in writing, the person who handles the complaint must document the description of the complaint.
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There must be enough information to identify the agency or individual toward which the complaint is directed and indicate the possibility of a violation. Every effort should be made to obtain at least the following information:
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Name, address and telephone number or other means of contacting the complainant;
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The specific location and name of the organization delivering the program service or benefit;
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The nature of the incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel there was discrimination;
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The basis on which the complainant feels discrimination occurred (race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability);
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The names, titles, and addresses of people who may have knowledge of the discriminatory action(s); and
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The date(s) when the alleged discriminatory action(s) occurred or, if continuing, the duration of such action(s)
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USDA is the cognizant agency for the Child Nutrition Programs listed and therefore is the first contact for the six protected classes listed in #1 above, for complaints received within 180 days. Civil rights complaints must be submitted to the USDA Office of Civil Rights within five calendar days of receipt and no later than 180 days of the discriminatory act. The link for submission of a complaint is: program.intake@usda.gov
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In Iowa, protected classes also include sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or creed and complaints can be filed up to 300 days of occurrence. The address for Iowa complaints is: Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319- 1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.
Bureau of Nutrition and Health, IDOE, 12/2021
I.C. Iowa Code |
Description |
Iowa Code § 283A |
School Meal Programs |
710-01-(E): School Lunch Program-School Nutrition Program Notices of Nondiscrimination
710-01-(E): School Lunch Program-School Nutrition Program Notices of NondiscriminationIn accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complai…, any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
2.Fax: 202-690-7442
3.Email: program.intake@usda.govThis institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; website:
https://icrc.iowa.gov/.
710.2 FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS ELIGIBILITY
710.2 FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS ELIGIBILITYStudents enrolled and attending school in the school district who meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) eligibility guidelines will be provided the school nutrition program services at no cost or at a reduced price. The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced priced meals.
The district shall annually notify all families of the availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for free or reduced price meals in accordance with state and federal law.
It is the responsibility of the Nutrition Director to determine the eligibility of students for free or reduced price school nutrition programs, in accordance with criteria established by state and federal law. If school personnel have knowledge of a student who is in need of free or reduced-price meals, school personnel shall contact the Nutrition Director.
Employees, students not qualified for free meals and others will be required to pay for meals consumed.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq..
Iowa Code ch. 283A
281 I.A.C. 58.
Cross Reference: 710.1 School Nutrition Program
710.3 Vending Machines
710.4 Meal Charge Policy
Approved 12/13/71 Reviewed 11/22/22 Revised 4/09/01
710.3 VENDING MACHINES
710.3 VENDING MACHINESFood served or purchased by students during the school day and food served or purchased for other than special circumstances shall be approved by the superintendent. Vending machines in the school building shall be the responsibility of the building principal. Purchases from the vending machines will reflect the guidelines in the Wellness policy 507.9.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for the use of vending machines and other sales of food to students.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq. (2010).
7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq. (2010).
Iowa Code ch. 283A (2013).
281 I.A.C. 58.
Cross Reference: 504.5 Student Fund Raising
710 School Food Services
Approved 4/09/01 Reviewed 11/22/22 Revised
710.4 MEAL CHARGES
710.4 MEAL CHARGESIn accordance with state and federal law, the Emmetsburg Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.
Payment of Meals
Students have use of a meal account. When the balance reaches $0.00 a student may charge no more than $100 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, a student shall not be allowed to charge further meals or ala carte items until the negative account balance is paid. Families may add money to student accounts by electronic payment options or pay at any of the school offices.
Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. Students with outstanding meal charge debt shall be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal when it is received.
Employees may use a charge account for meals, but may charge no more than $100 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, an employee shall not be allowed to charge further meals or ala carte items until the negative account balance is paid. Employees may also opt to deduct a specified amount from their pay by directing the Business Office in writing.
Negative Account Balances
The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low. Additionally, the school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. The school district will coordinate communications with families to resolve the matter of unpaid charges. Families will be notified of a low, under $10, balance weekly. Families will be notified by automated email or notices sent home with the student. Negative balances of more than $100 not paid prior to the end of the fiscal year (June 30) will be turned over to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee for collection. Options for collection may include: collection agencies, small claims court, or any other legal method permitted by law.
Unpaid Student Meals Account
The district will establish an unpaid student meals account in a school nutrition fund. Funds from private sources and funds from the district flexibility account may be deposited into the unpaid school meals account in accordance with law. Funds deposited into this account shall be used only to pay individual student meal debt.
Communication of the Policy
The policy and supporting information regarding meal charges shall be provided in writing to:
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All households at or before the start of each school year;
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Students and families who transfer into the district, at time of transfer; and
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All staff responsible for enforcing any aspect of the policy.
Records of how and when the policy and supporting information were communicated to households and staff will be retained.
The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
7 C.F.R. §§ 210 et seq.
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 46-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Local Meal Charge Policies (2016).
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 47-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Clarification on Collection of Delinquent Meal Payments (2016).
U.S. Dep’t of Agric., SP 57-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Guidance and Q&A (2016).
Iowa Code 283A.
281 I.A.C. 58.
Cross Reference: 710.1 School Food Program
710.2 Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility
710.3 Vending Machine
Approved 7-19-17 Reviewed 11/22/22 Revised