On Monday, August 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) unexpectedly announced nationwide waivers to allow the continuation of free meals to all students through the National School Lunch Program. The nationwide waivers allow schools and school districts to serve meals in a similar manner to how students were served meals beginning in mid-March.
What does this mean for Muskego-Norway School District families? Any student who chooses a full reimbursable meal at lunch will receive that meal at no cost.
What is a full reimbursable meal and how do I ensure my child is selecting the right options? The USDA meal patterns require five components must be offered to qualify for a reimbursable meal. A Meat/Protein, Fruit, Vegetable, Grain, and Milk must be offered in specific quantities. Please view this presentation for an explanation of how to make a reimbursable meal. If a child does not take at least three of the five components, they will be charged for an ala carte meal. One component must be a fruit or vegetable.
When does the free lunch program begin? This program started the first day of school for all schools K-8. The high school started September 8. If your child has been choosing a reimbursable meal, you have not been charged for their lunch.
Are there other options besides the full reimbursable meal? Ala carte items, including milk are still available for purchase.
Where can I go to find out what meal options are available? Please visit the district’s food service website. You can also download the Taher Food4Life app from Google Play or the App Store.
My child is enrolled in the virtual learning option. Does he/she still qualify? Lunch service will be available to virtual families who elect to have meals provided. Surveys go out to virtual families via an Infinite Campus message. Families will continue to receive weekly surveys to request meals for the following week. Please submit all surveys no later than Friday.
These waivers are currently allowed through December 31, 2020. However, the USDA FNS reserves the right to withdraw any or all of the nationwide waivers subject to the availability of funding. We will communicate out to parents in the event there are changes to the program before December, 31, 2020. If you have any questions about the food service program, please contact Chrissy Koerner, Food Service Director at 262-971-1790 x4522 or via email at chrissy.koerner@muskegonorway.org.
