The school district will operate a school lunch and breakfast program in each attendance center. The school food program services will include hot lunches through participation in the National School Lunch Program and supplementary foods for students during the school day. Students may bring their lunches from home and purchase milk or juice and other incidental items.

School food service 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 services 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 board policy. The board may expand the operation of the food service program into the summer.

The school food program is operated on a nonprofit basis. The revenues of the school food program will be used only for paying the regular operating costs of the school food program. Supplies of the school food program shall only be used for the school food program.

The board will set, and periodically review, the prices for school lunches, breakfast, and special milk programs.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding the prices of school lunch, breakfast and milk. It shall be the responsibility of food service director to administer the program and to cooperate with the superintendent for the proper functioning of the school food program.

 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.

 

Approved Dec. 13, 2004

Reviewed December 11, 2023

 Revised February 9, 2009

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-discriminationcomplaint, 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/.

 

Approved January 8, 2024

Reviewed December 11, 2023

Revised

 

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 discriminatory effect on the public, potential program participants, or current participants. ___________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. On what basis does the complainant feel discriminated 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 the persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory action: _____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. List the dates during which the alleged discriminatory actions occurred, or if continuing, the duration of such actions: __________________________________________________________
6. Date Complaint received: _________________________________________________________
7. Person receiving complaint: _______________________________________________________
8. Actions 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/.

 

Approved January 8, 2024

Reviewed December 11, 2023

Revised

 

 

1. 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.
    
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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:
    
   • Name, address and telephone number or other means of contacting the complainant;
   • The specific location and name of the organization delivering the program service or benefit;
   • The nature of the incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel there was discrimination;
   • The basis on which the complainant feels discrimination occurred (race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability);
   • The names, titles, and addresses of people who may have knowledge of the discriminatory action(s); and
   • The date(s) when the alleged discriminatory action(s) occurred or, if continuing, the duration of such action(s).
     ​​​​​​​
5. 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
    
6. 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
 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 283A, 281 I.A.C. 58, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751

Cross Reference: 710.2    Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility

            710.3    Vending Machines

            710.4    Meal Charges

 

Approved January 8, 2024

Reviewed December 11, 2023

Revised

 

Students enrolled and attending school in the school district, who are unable to afford the special milk program, the cost or a portion of the cost of the school lunch, breakfast, and supplemental foods, will be provided the school food program services at no cost or at a reduced cost.

It shall be the responsibility of the building principal to determine if a student qualifies for free or reduced cost school food services.  Students, whom the principal believes are improperly nourished, will not be denied the school food program services simply because the paperwork has not been completed.

Employees, students and others will be required to purchase tickets for meals consumed.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.

Legal Reference:     42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. (1988). 7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq. (1993). Iowa Code

283A (2003). 281 I.A.C.58. Cross Reference:    710 School Food Service

Approved December 13, 2004

Reviewed December 11, 2023

Revised February 9, 2009

 

Food 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 and shall be the responsibility of the building principal.

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. (1988). 7 C.F.R. Pt. 210 et seq. (1993). Iowa Code

283A (2003).  281 I.A.C. 58.

Cross Reference:     504.5  Student Fund Raising

710    School Food Services
 

Approved December 13, 2004

Reviewed December 11, 2023

Revised February 9, 2009

 

In accordance with state and federal law, the Chariton Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and student 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 student with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.

Payment of Meals:

Every student has a family meal account.  Families may add money to their account the following ways:

• Pay Online:  Make an on line payment to your family account using your credit or debit card at https://parent.payschools.com
• Pay in Person:  Stop by any school office Monday through Friday to pay by cash or check.  You may also send cash or check to school with your child.  Checks should be made payable to Chariton Community School District.  Please be sure to have your student name on the payment to ensure it is deposited into the correct account
• Pay in the Mail:  Send a check to Chariton Community School District, Po Box 738, Chariton, IA  50049

Meal Charging:

• Students that fail to have account balances may charge meals under the following parameters:
  • Students will be served a full reimbursable meal (breakfast or lunch).
    • A reimbursable breakfast meal includes: one grain, choice of fruit or juice and one milk.
    • A reimbursable lunch meal includes: one protein, one grain, one vegetable, one fruit and one milk.
  • Once a student’s account has reached the equivalent of zero, no a la carte items may be purchased.  This includes individual cartons of milk for students bringing their lunch from home.

Visiting Adults:

Adults wanting to eat a meal with a child at school, may purchase a meal the following ways:

• Use their child’s lunch account, providing there is a positive account balance and enough money in their child’s account to cover the cost of the adult meal.
• The visiting adult has cash to pay for the meal. *Note: Any change due from the purchase of a meal with cash will be deposited into the students lunch account.  No change will be given.

Staff:

• Once a staff person’s account has reached a negative $11.25 (3 lunches), they will not be allowed to make any other charges until they put money into their account.

Meal Balance Notifications:

• Cashiers will make reasonable efforts to verbally notify students (Grades 6-12) and staff at the register once the account balance has dropped below $5.00.
• Chariton Community School District will be using an automated notification system to send notifications to parents regarding their family account balance.       
  • The parent will receive a phone call, text and/or email to the primary phone number and/or email that is listed in Infinite Campus.
    • A low balance notification will be sent out weekly when the account reaches $5.00 or below
    • A negative balance notification will be sent out three times per week when the account reaches a negative balance.
    • Written communication will be mailed home when an account reaches a negative balance of    $-20.00, this letter will refer the parent/guardian to the district meal charge policy and include an application to apply for free/reduced meals.  
    • Unpaid lunch balances will carry over from year to year.  As a student prepares to graduate the balance will be reflected in the total bill owed to the District and it will be expected to be paid in full.

Meal Donations and Distribution of the Donated Funds:

• Donations:

• The board will gladly accept community support from groups or individuals who choose to make a tax-deductible donation specifically toward negative lunch balances to the District Business Office. 
• All donations will go into the Angel account.
• The donor can specify if they want their donation to go to a specific family in need, or, if they want the donation to be distributed according to the district’s standard operating procedures, a form will be supplied to the donor.
• Families who have seniors graduating and no other student in school may transfer any unused funds into the angel account to be distributed according to the districts standard operation procedures.

• Distributing Donations from the Angel Account:
  • The food service director and principal will make 3 attempts to collect meal debt. 
  • Once the district has taken all appropriate steps to collect debt, funds will be distributed according to the district’s standard operating procedures. 
  • Access to donated funds will be private, no information will be shared with the donor.
  • Recipients for the donations will receive a letter showing the amount received into their account.

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 by the District Office.

The Superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy. 

 

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

ANGEL DONATIONS

DISTRIBUTED TO MEAL ACCOUNTS

When money is received as a donation to put in Meal Accounts, the following procedure will be utilized:

Lists for each of the groups below will be printed and kept on file for the date the deposit is being made.

Begin with the most negative balance.

Money will be put in accounts in this order:

        Inactive Free students with a balance below $0.00

         Active Free students with a balance below $0.00.

         Inactive Reduced Students with a balance below $0.00

          Active Reduced Students with a balance below $0.00

          Inactive Paid students with a balance below $0.00

           Active Paid students with a balance below $0.00

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