Low Balances

In Rockwood, we are proud to provide our students with healthy, nutritious meals every school day. As part of our commitment to our families and our child nutrition program, we work closely with parents to keep you informed of your student's meal account balances. 

School Meal Procedures and Account Balances

Reimbursable School Meals Are Always Available:

If a student does not have enough money in their meal account, they can still receive a reimbursable meal. Per USDA guidelines, a reimbursable meal must include at least three of the five core meal components, and at least one of those components must be a fruit or vegetable.

Guidelines for A La Carte Items:

If a student with insufficient funds selects items outside of the reimbursable school meal, the following procedures will apply:

• Unwrapped A La Carte Items: If a student chooses an individual, unwrapped item (such as a single slice of pizza), the item will be provided, and the cost will be charged directly to their meal account.
• Pre-packaged A La Carte Items: If a student selects pre-packaged items (such as flavored water, snacks, or extra milk), they will be kindly asked to return the item/s and instead select a full, reimbursable school meal.

Keeping Parents Informed of Account Balances

Parent Notification of Low Balances:

• Weekly: Parents/Guardians of students with negative account balances receive an email from Rockwood Child Nutrition Services.
• At Negative $10: The school's child nutrition manager contacts the parent/guardian by phone or email.
• At Negative $15 or More: School administrators are notified and will contact the parent/guardian.

Student Notification of Low Balances:

• Elementary Schools: Low-balance notices are sent home with students. Account balances are generally not discussed at the cafeteria register, unless a student asks.
• Secondary Schools: Cafeteria cashiers notify students at the register when their balance falls below $10.

Staying Informed:

Families can set up low balance alerts through MySchoolBucks to receive notifications before an account runs low.

Helping Families Financially

The Rockwood School District participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This allows families the opportunity to apply for free-and-reduced meals benefits. Applications are available in your school's office and online or you can contact Rockwood Child Nutrition at (636) 733-3250.