We are excited to launch the National School Lunch Program and Free School Meals for Kids programs in
All payments for additional items outside of the program guidelines will be managed through our technology partner, LunchTime, LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides children with nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free lunches each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.
For more information please on the NSLP, see the USDA website.
What is the Free School Meals for Kids Program?
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
Is this available for ELP and K-8?
Currently, the Free School Meals for Kids Program only covers K-8 students. ELP students may still order and purchase school lunches.
Is there an application process to participate?
No. The Free School Meals for Kids Program does operate under the NSLP, which does use the Applications for Educational Benefits, but they are used for school documentation and not for determining how much parents pay for reimbursed meals.
Will there be a monthly menu? Where will it be available?
Yes. The monthly menu will still be available on our website.
How far in advance do I need to sign my child up for meals?
You do not need to sign up or order meals in advance. Meals can be ordered the day the meals are served by the students.
Are meals made in-house?
Yes. Meals are made fresh daily in-house, except for sponsored meals like Fat Lorenzo’s and pizza from Domino’s.
How will I pay for meals?
The core portion of the meals listed on the menu is served at no charge. Additional items are available for purchase. We will continue using LunchTime accounts for payment processing.
How much will extras cost?
Extra entrees will cost $2.50. Additional items such as chips, fruits, or extra breakfast items will be $1.25. Milk is $0.50. All additional item pricing will be on the menu each month as well.
Can LunchTime do a family account, or do all students need their own account?
LunchTime currently operates on a per-student basis. Families can add money to multiple students’ accounts at the same time. But each student has their own account from which to use.
If money is left over in my student's account from last year, will it be forwarded to this year, or will it be reimbursed?
If your student is still enrolled in the school and has money from last year's account, that money will still be in their account. However, if you would like to have that money reimbursed, you may request that.
Is the salad bar still available?
The salad bar is transitioning to a "fruit and extras bar."
What is in a reimbursable breakfast?
A breakfast meal consists of 1 of each item on the breakfast menu for that day. Additional items may be purchased.
Will there be alternative menu items for allergies?
Yes. A Special Diet Statement needs to be submitted to know a student's dietary needs. Only allergies are currently honored, not student preferences.
Standard/Full Civil Rights Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C.
(2) fax:
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.