The specifics
According to a news release, students with balances greater than $25 will be offered the following meals at school:
- Breakfast - SunButter and jelly sandwich
- Lunch - turkey and cheese sandwich
A closer look
According to the news release, parents or guardians will be notified in writing as soon as their account becomes delinquent, which is calculated per student, not per family or household. Cafeteria and school employees will be trained to proactively but discreetly notify students when their account is getting close to the $25 negative balance threshold.
Once the unpaid balance reaches $25, parents or guardians will be informed that their student will receive an alternative meal until the balance is resolved, according to the news release.
Put in perspective
In a statement, Keller ISD officials said the district is supported by federal child nutrition programs, which allow students to receive breakfast, lunch or after-school meals for free or at a reduced price based on their family’s income. These programs serve approximately 35% of the students in Keller ISD.
The statement also said that the district is also “committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious foods. School meals are one of the most important school supplies – when kids feel better, they do better.”
What you need to know
Officials updated the district's Facebook page on Oct. 11 by announcing a partnership with Community Storehouse to establish the Keller ISD Lunch Fund to help clear meal balances. Individuals or families can donate to the fund by visiting either the district's website or Community Storehouse's website (select “Donate” and “Keller ISD Lunch Fund”).
