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Child Nutrition » District Meal Policy

District Meal Policy

Child Nutrition Payment and Charge Policy (ACSB Policy JGHRD)

The Attala County School District recognizes that healthy, nutritious meals are essential for student readiness and academic success. In compliance with federal regulations (Title 7, CFR, Part 210.10(a)(1)), schools must provide well-balanced meals to all students.

General Policy

The district will not deny any student access to school lunch. However, by law, the Food and Nutritional Services department must operate as a self-sustaining fund and cannot carry a negative balance at the end of a fiscal year. Unpaid meal charges put a strain on both the department and the district budget.

To ensure fairness and consistency, this policy outlines procedures for:

  • Methods of payment

  • Meal charging limits

  • Collection efforts for unpaid balances

Methods of Payment

  • Cash or check at the register

  • Online payments

  • In-classroom prepayments when cashiers visit classrooms

Students may prepay for meals or pay for daily meals with cash or a check at the register.

Student Accounts & Charging Policy

All Students:

  • Students with zero or negative balances may still receive a reimbursable meal.

  • A reimbursable meal includes at least three of the five components: grain, meat/meat alternative, fruit, vegetable, and milk. It must include a fruit and/or vegetable.

Extra items (such as snacks or second meals) cannot be charged and must be paid for in cash. A student must have a positive account balance ("good standing") to purchase extras.

Free Lunch Students

  • Receive one reimbursable meal daily at no cost.

  • Extras are not covered and must be paid for in cash.

Reduced-Price Lunch Students

  • See the Meal Prices page.

  • May charge reimbursable meals up to $4.00 before the collection process begins.

  • Extras must be paid for with cash only.

Paid Lunch Students

  • See the Meal Prices page

  • May charge reimbursable meals up to $10.00 before the collection process begins.

  • Extras must be paid with cash and cannot be charged.

Collection Process

Step 1:
When charges exceed the limit:

  • Parents/guardians are contacted by letter, text, or phone call.

  • Contact occurs at least weekly.

  • If no Free/Reduced Lunch Application is on file, one will be sent home.

Step 2:
If no payment is made within 30 days:

  • School administration is notified.

  • Administration may contact appropriate state agencies.

Step 3:
If a balance exceeds $30.00:

  • The student may be prohibited from fee-based programs (e.g., field trips) until the balance is paid.

End-of-Year and Additional Steps

If a student’s account remains delinquent, the district may:

  • Withhold report cards, transfer cards, or class assignments

  • Restrict participation in fee-based programs

  • Notify state agencies

  • For seniors, prohibit participation in graduation or senior activities if account is not in good standing by May 1st

Handling Negative & Inactive Balances

  • Inactive accounts with a positive balance may be donated to help students with negative balances.

  • Negative balances roll over to the next school year.

  • Collection efforts will continue until the account is brought into good standing.

  • Extended payment plans may be made available to families.

Non-Discrimination Statement

This agency is an Equal Opportunity Provider.