Meal Program FAQs for Parent/Guardians
What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to children each school day. For more information, please check out this fact sheet about the NSLP:
https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf
What is the National School Breakfast Program?
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions. For more information, please check out this fact sheet about the SBP:
What does a meal cost for my children?
PK (Lunch option only)
- $2.90/day full price
$0.40/day reduced price
K-8 Breakfast & Lunch
- Free for every student
9-12 Breakfast
- $2.25/day full price
- $0.30/day reduced price
9-12 Lunch
- $3.05/day full price
- $0.40/day reduced price
Second lunches are $3.15 for 6-12, regardless of eligibility status.
How do I add funds to my student’s account?
To add funds, please visit e-Funds, our school payment system. You will need your student ID or family ID to link your student to your account once created. You should have received your Student ID via email when you created your PowerSchool account. If you need assistance, please email sarah.hackett@keokukschools.org.
E-funds accepts online payments with card or e-check. You can also bring money into the office or send money with your child. You can also pay using a card over the phone by calling the office or (319) 526-3717.
If my student brings lunch from home, can they still get milk?
Yes, students K-12 are allowed the option to purchase milk a la carte. A la carte milk is $0.40 per carton. If your student gets a reimbursable meal, the milk is part of the meal. If they don’t get the meal, the milk is considered a la carte and costs $0.40.
How to apply for free/reduced price meals?
You can contact Sarah Hackett at 319-526-3717 for more information or download and print the application form at:
https://www.keokukschools.org/registration/fees/free-reduced/
Forms must be re-submitted each year within the first 30 school days or upon enrollment in the district. You can apply at any time, however, to be considered for a fee waiver, you must be approved and have a signed waiver within 30 school days of enrollment.
Where do I find menus?
Menus are located on the district website at:
https://www.keokukschools.org/quick-links/school-menus/
You can also email sarah.hackett@keokukschools.org to have a printed copy sent home with your child if necessary.
What if my child doesn’t like all of the items offered?
K-12 students are offer vs. serve buildings. This means students are offered 5 components at lunch each day (milk, meat/meat alternate, vegetable, fruit, and grain) and students only have to take 3 components (one of which must be a ½ cup fruit or vegetable) for a reimbursable meal. At breakfast, a student must take 3 items, one of which must be a ½ cup fruit. This means your student doesn’t have to take all of the items offered, but are encouraged to do so. For more information regarding offer vs serve, please watch this short video: https://youtu.be/kn0xImQsaG8
What options are available at lunch for 6-12?
6-12 grade students have the option of choosing the salad bar rather than the main meal option. As long as students choose the required 3 options or items, salad bar qualifies as a reimbursable meal option.
Salad bar options may vary due to availability*
Vegetable: romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, bell peppers, radishes, peas, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, onion
Fruit: Apple, orange, banana, assorted canned fruit, strawberries, kiwifruit, grapes, watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe
Meat/meat alternatives: chicken, ham, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, boiled egg, hummus or beans
Grains: croutons, crackers, bagels, granola
Milk: white skim, 1% chocolate, lactose-free milk
Dressing: ranch or french
*Baked Potatoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays*
9-12 grade students have the option to choose alternative lunch, in addition to the main lunch and salad bar. Alternative lunch options are not available on early out Wednesdays. This alternative lunch is also a reimbursable meal option as long as students take the required components. All options come with vegetable, fruit, and milk for sides.
Monday: Cheeseburger, Tuesday: Spicy Chicken, Thursday: Buffalo chicken flatbread, Friday: Pizza
Are students able to purchase a la carte items?
Students K-5 are able to purchase a la carte milk for $0.40 per carton.
6-12 students have the option to purchase items at the a la carte window using their lunch account. Accounts must have a positive balance to purchase these items. All items sold through the a la carte window meet the Healthy Snack guidelines.
Can I set limitations on how much my students can purchase?
Yes, you can set individual limits for your children by visiting the Wordware family website at:
https://family.wordwareinc.com/
If you have any issues, please contact sarah.hackett@keokukschools.org.
Where can I check my family balance and look at transactions?
You can visit:
https://family.wordwareinc.com/
or you can email sarah.hackett@keokukschools.org to check your balance.
What if my child has special dietary needs?
Please contact (319)526-3717 or email sarah.hackett@keokukschools.org to obtain a diet modification form for medical-related diet issues to obtain a form for your child’s physician to fill out.
You can also access this form online at:
Can I come and eat with my child?
Yes, you are welcome to come and have lunch with your child. There is a $4.15 adult meal price and we ask that you call the office ahead of time to notify us so we can adjust our meal count.
What time does my child eat?
Breakfast is served 20-30 minutes before the school day begins.
Lunch times vary by building and grade level.
