Policy Statement:

Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS) recognizes the significance of maintaining efficient and effective cafeteria policies to ensure the smooth operation of meal programs for students and staff. This policy outlines the principles and guidelines governing cafeteria policies within LCS.

Objective:

To establish comprehensive, clear, and equitable procedures regarding the cafeteria operations, meal charges, account management, and compliance with the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, ensuring transparent and systematic management of Nutrition Services at Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS).

Scope:

This policy applies to all students, families, and employees within the LCS and governs operations, accountability, and user responsibilities related to the school's cafeteria services.

Prepaid Cafeteria Account Management:

• Prepayment through LCS Cafeteria Point of Sale:
  • The cafeteria operates on a prepayment system.
  • Charges incurred from procured food/beverage items are deducted from the prepaid account.
• Negative Balance Alerts:
  • A ‘Negative Student Meal Balance’ email is dispatched to families when account balances drop below $0.00, offering instructions on adding funds to the account.

Addressing Delinquent Debt:

• Negative Balance Protocol:
  • Accounts are reviewed weekly for negative balances.
  • Should a balance fall below -$50.00, charging à la carte items will be restricted.
  • A negative balance exceeding -$100.00 incurs a full charge block and may result in meal service suspension and restricted participation in extra-curricular activities and trips.
• Reenrollment, Withdrawal, and Transfers:
  • Outstanding balances from previous school years must be cleared for reenrollment.
  • Report cards, student records, and transcripts may be withheld pending clearance of cafeteria charge balances.
• Employee Protocols:
  • Employees sustaining a negative balance may be denied meal services.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Procedures:

• Application and Eligibility:
  • Families can explore and apply for free or reduced-priced meals.
  • Applications are obtainable on the Nutrition Services webpage, the front office, or via the Director of Nutrition Services.
• Annual Submission and Applicability:
  • Applications must be submitted annually.
  • Benefits commence on the date the qualifying application is processed for each school year.
  • Benefits apply only to nutritionally complete meals; à la carte selections incur standard charges.

Compliance with National Programs:

LCS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, aligning with all requisite guidelines and offering free or reduced-price meals to qualifying families.

Accessibility and Transparency:

• Menus for breakfast and lunch are accessible on the "Resources" tab on Blackbaud.
• Applications for free or reduced-price meals, along with pertinent details, are readily available across various school platforms.

Review and Amendments:

This policy shall undergo periodic review to ensure its effectiveness, adherence to legal and ethical standards, and alignment with the strategic objectives of LCS. Amendments will be subject to applicable approval processes and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.