Food Service FAQ
| Meal Prices | Student Accounts |
| Free/Reduced Meals |
What is the full price for breakfast and lunch?
Prices for breakfast are as follows: Elementary, $1.25 / Secondary, $1.50 / Adults, $3.25
Prices for lunch are as follows: Elementary, $2.10 / Secondary, $2.35 / Adults, $3.25
Is there a way to pay up front for the meals for my child(ren)?
Yes. Each student is assigned a student number/account. Families can deposit funds into their child's account that can be applied towards meals. PaySchools is also available to make e-check or credit card payments for school lunches. (See button on right hand side of front page.)
Is there a maximum or minimum amount that must be deposited into the account?
No. The amount is up to the discretion of the parent or guardian.
How will I know when the balance on the account is low?
Food service staff will let your child(ren) know when the account is at a $5 balance.
What if the balance on the account runs out? Will my child be unable to eat?
Students are given a 2 day grace period to bring money in or make a payment on PaySchools. Once the grace period is over, then the student is given a peanut butter sandwich until money is deposited. No child will go without food.
What are the prices if you qualify for reduced meals?
Meal prices are as follows: 30¢ for breakfast and 40¢ for lunch.
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your child's school building.
Click Here to Download and Print the Application
Who can get free meals?
Children in households getting food stamps or TANF and most foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free price meals if your household income is within free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines.
Click Here to Download and Print the Income Guidelines
Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?
Please call Wendy Kemling at (308) 635-6200 to see if your child(ren) qualify, if you have not been informed that they will get free meals.
Who can get reduced price meals?
Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart. Click here to see the Federal Income Chart: View Federal Income Chart.
Should I fill out an application if I got a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced price meals?
Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call your child's school if you have questions.
I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals but you still need to complete an application.
If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?
Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, TANF or other benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price meals.
What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?
You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Dr. Gary Reynolds, Superintendent or Lavon Hood, Director of Business Services at 2601 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361. The phone number is (308) 635-6200.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.
Who should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.
What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally receive $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only received $900, put down that you receive $1,000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you only get it sometimes.
If I qualify for free or reduced price meals will my children be eligible for Kid's Connection, the Nebraska children's health insurance program?
For more information on this program that provides health care coverage for children up to age 19, please call toll free 1-877-632-5437.
We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income?
If your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.
Where can I get a copy of the menu?
The menus are available online by clicking on either the breakfast menu or lunch menu buttons on the front page of the web site. You can also obtain a copy at your child's school.
