710 - SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM

710.1 - SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM (5-11-2022)

The 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.


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:  April 9, 2008                      

Last Reviewed:  May 11, 2022             

710-1E2 SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM-CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT FORM (09/11/2024)

Complaint Contact Information:

Name:                                                                                                                                                             

Street Address, City, State, Zip:                                                                                                                                                                         

County: 

Area Code/Phone:                                                                                 

Email Address:                                                                                                                                                

Complaint Information:

1.     Specific name and location of the entity and individual delivering the service or benefit:=

2.     Describe the incident or action of the alleged discrimination or give an example of the situation that has a discriminatory effect on the public, potential program participants, or current participants:

3.     On what basis does the complainant feel discrimination exists (race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, political party affiliation, actual/potential parental/family/marital status)?

4.     List the names, titles, and business addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory action:

5.     List the date(s) during which the alleged discriminatory actions occurred, or if continuing, the duration of such actions:   

6.     Date complaint received:                                                                                                          

7.     Person receiving complaint:                                                                                                      

8.     Action(s) taken:

USDA is the cognizant agency for the Child Nutrition Programs listed and therefore is the first contact for the six protected classes of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability 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

 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/.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.                                

 

710.1E1 SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM NOTICES OF NONDISCRIMINATION (09/11/2024)

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In 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-complaint, 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.gov

This 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/.


Adopted:  September 11, 2024

East Buchanan CSD

 

710.1E2 CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT FORM (09/14/2024)

Complaint Contact Information:

Name:                                                                                                                                                             

Street Address, City, State, Zip:                                                                                                                                                                         

County: 

Area Code/Phone:                                                                                 

Email Address:                                                                                                                                                

 

Complaint Information:

1.     Specific name and location of the entity and individual delivering the service or benefit:=

2.     Describe the incident or action of the alleged discrimination or give an example of the situation that has a discriminatory effect on the public, potential program participants, or current participants:

3.     On what basis does the complainant feel discrimination exists (race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, political party affiliation, actual/potential parental/family/marital status)?

4.     List the names, titles, and business addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory action:

5.     List the date(s) during which the alleged discriminatory actions occurred, or if continuing, the duration of such actions:   

6.     Date complaint received:            

                                                                                              

7.     Person receiving complaint:            

                                                                                          

8.     Action(s) taken:

 

USDA is the cognizant agency for the Child Nutrition Programs listed and therefore is the first contact for the six protected classes of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability 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

 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/.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.                   

East Buchanan CSD            

 

710.2 - FREE OR REDUCED COST MEALS ELIGIBILITY (5-11-2022)

Students enrolled and attending school in the school district who meet USDA eligibility guidelines will be provided the school nutrition program services at no cost or at a reduced price.  The school district will make reasonable efforts to prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals.

The district shall at least twice 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 Superintendent Secretary 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 Superintendent Secretary.

If a student owes money for five or more meals, the superintendent’s secretary may contact the student’s parent or guardian to provide information regarding the application for free or reduced price meals.  The school is encouraged to provide reimbursable meals to students who request reimbursable meals unless the students’ parent or guardian has specifically provided written direction to the school to withhold a meal from the student. 

Employees 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. §§ 210 et seq..

                                    Iowa Code § 283A.

                                    281 I.A.C. 58.

Cross Reference:           710.1    School Nutrition Program

                                    710.3    Vending Machines

                                    710.4    Meal Charge Policy

Approved:  April 9, 2008                       

Last Reviewed:  May 11, 2022 

710.3 - VENDING MACHINES (5-11-2022)

Food served or purchased by students during the school day and food served or purchased for other than special circumstances is approved by the superintendent.  Vending machines in the school building are the responsibility of the building principal.  Purchases from the vending machines, will reflect the guidelines in the Wellness policy 507.9.

It is 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.

                                    7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq.

                                    Iowa Code ch. 283A

                                    281 I.A.C. 58.

Cross Reference:           504.5    Student Fund Raising

                                    710       School Food Services

Approved:   April 9, 2008                     

Last Reviewed:   May 11, 2022

Board Policy East Buchanan Community Schools

710.4 Meal Charges (8/14/2024)

In accordance with state and federal law, the East Buchanan 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 

All meal purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins. Families may add money to student accounts via electronic payment options, pay at the school office, etc.   When the account is nearing a negative balance of $10 per child the family will receive an email.  Once the account balance has reached a -$40 the parent/guardian will receive a letter or phone call from the Food Service Director.  When the student's account reaches a negative balance of -$40, they will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items unless the funds are deposited into the account.

Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. Schools are encouraged to provide a reimbursable meal to students with outstanding meal charge debt.  If an alternate meal is provided, the meal must be the same meal presented in the same manner to any student requesting an alternate meal.  Students will never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance, we will provide a reimbursable meal to students with an outstanding meal charge debt.

Employees may use a charge account for meals, but may charge no more than $0.00 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, an employee shall not be allowed to charge further meals or a la carte items until the negative account balance is paid.

Negative Account Balances

The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify parents or guardians 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.  Parents or guardians will be notified when $10 remains in the account by an automated e-mail notification system or letters sent by mail to the home. Negative account balances of -$40 or more will receive a letter or phone call from the Food Service Director. Negative balances of more than $40.00, not paid within 10 days of notification will be turned over to the superintendent or superintendent’s designee for collection. Options 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 from private sources shall be used only to pay individual student meal debt.  Funds deposited into this account from the district flexibility account shall be used to pay individual student meal debt as specified in the flexibility funds resolution.

Communication of the Policy 

The policy and supporting information regarding meal charges shall be provided in writing to:

  • All households at or before the start of each school year; 

  • Students and families who transfer into the district, at time of transfer; and

  • All staff responsible for enforcing any aspect of the policy.  

Records of how and when the policy and supporting information was communicated to households and staff will be retained. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to 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:  April 9, 2008             

Reviewed:  February 8, 2023; August 14, 2024

Board Policy East Buchanan Community