Policy Level: BOARD POLICY	Descriptor Code: JGHA	New Policy
Descriptor Term: School Nutrition Program LUNCH CHARGES	Effective Date: February 9, 2004

The goal of the Bremen City Schools School Nutrition Program is to provide healthy meals to all students on a daily basis. The federal lunch program does not require a school system to feed students who do not pay, even if eligible for reduced price meals. The federal lunch program also prohibits the accumulation of bad debt, i.e., charges, returned checks, etc.

However, Bremen City Schools will allow students in grades PK – 5 who come to school without

breakfast or lunch money to charge a maximum of three days. Parents will be notified of the charge (s), and payment is to be made in full immediately. The system reserves the right to revoke charging privileges if they become excessively abused. The charging privilege pertains to school meals only. Any other a la carte items purchased in the cafeteria must be paid for in advance or at the time of purchase. Students in grades 6 – 12 will not be allowed to charge school meals and must have cash in hand or funds in their accounts to cover the cost of the meal. Otherwise, a tray will be denied.

Students will be allowed to use the office phone to call a parent for lunch money.

After the allowed number of charges has been accumulated, the students at Jones Elementary School will be given an alternate meal such as a sandwich and milk. Students will be charged the a la carte sale price for the alternate meal. The principal and parents will be notified that the student is receiving an alternate meal. If the total amount due is not paid in full after three days of receiving the alternate meal, students will be required to bring their meal from home until all charges are paid.

Continuous accumulation of charges can lead to deficits for the School Nutrition Program; therefore, if charges become excessive or the parent refuses to pay after being contacted, the system reserves the right to take steps necessary to collect the charges owed. During the last month of the school year frequent notices will be sent to parents of students who owe money for charged meals. If debts have not been paid in full by the beginning of the next school year, NO further lunch charges will be allowed until past debts have been paid in full.

If it appears that there is a financial burden on the family, then a free or reduced meal application will be sent home for the parents to complete, which may help resolve this matter. Every effort will be made to assist any family that is in need.

Bremen City Schools, Bremen, GA

Adopted: February 9, 2004

Revised: January 10, 2005