UT Code Reference: 

R277-719. Standards for Selling Foods Outside of the Reimbursable Meal in Schools

Definitions:  

• “Free meal” means a meal served to a student whose parents have filled out a free & reduced meal application and have qualified, based on federal standards, for free meals.  The free meal receives the highest federal rate of reimbursement.  The meal is served at no cost to the student.
• “Meal charging” means allowing students who do not have funds in their account to receive a reimbursable meal, with parents paying for these meals at a later time.  Schools are not required to provide meals to students who do not have funds to pay for the meal.
• “Over identification” means allowing only those with a need-to-know need to know the meal payment status of a student. E.g. those who process school meal payments.
• “Parent” means the student’s parent, legal guardian, or custodian.
• “Paid meal” means a meal served to a student whose parents who have not qualified for reduced price or free meals.  This meal receives the lowest amount of federal reimbursement.  The parent must pay the lunch price established by the MCS Board of Directors.
• “Reduced-price meals” means a meal served to a student whose parents have qualified for reduced meals.  The federal rate of reimbursement is less than a free meal, but more than a paid meal.
• “Reimbursable meal” means a meal that meets the USDA requirements and may be claimed for payment from the USDA.

Policy:  

Moab Charter School may make breakfast and lunch available to all students through the Utah Child Nutrition Program. MCS will follow state and federal policies for operating a CNP

MCS will not use vending machines for food services.  Any request for the use of vending machines at the Moab Charter School shall be submitted to the Director who shall add the request to the Board of Director’s next regular meeting agenda for consideration.

Parents may bring food to share with classes on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. Parents may bring healthy snacks for students to eat during the morning recess or designated class snack time.

MCS will not sponsor or allow the sale of food outside of reimbursable meals.

Moab Charter School’s Child Nutrition Program receives full reimbursement for free meals and partial reimbursements for meals served to students who do not qualify for free meals.  Parents must make payments to the student’s account to make up the difference between the federal reimbursements and the cost of the meal.  This policy applies to school meal payments.

Parents may make payments directly to the school.  Parents should clearly note the account to which funds should be credited (student name(s)).Parents will be notified when a negative amount is in their lunch account.

Updates: Combination of Food Services Policy, Meal Charge Policy, Food Sold on School Grounds Policy, and Vending Machine Policy

Current Approval Date: 4/25/2023