August 9, 2022 – School meal changes are coming for the 2022-23 school year. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waivers specific to COVID-19 have expired which means schools in our district will no longer serve all meals for free. Effective at the start of this school year, there will be a return to free, reduced and paid eligibility for students.
According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service:
Schools had some flexibilities during COVID so they could serve all kids free meals. Some of those options expired, so many schools can’t serve all meals free anymore. Instead, families will do what they did before COVID. Schools will take applications and use family income to qualify kids for free, reduce-price, or paid meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture developed Frequently Asked Questions for Parents to assist with the transition to School Year 2022-23 for School Nutrition Programs. Please refer to this resource to help clarify what is occurring this fall with school meals.
Community Eligibility Provision Schools Still Have Free Meals for All Students
Some schools use a program called the “Community Eligibility Provision” (CEP) that helps them serve meals free. Schools with a high poverty designation can qualify for the CEP. In CUSD 10, the schools that qualify for everyone to receive free meals for the 2022-23 school year are Caseyville, Kreitner, Webster and Twin Echo. Families with children in these schools DO NOT pay for meals as long as their child attends that school. Siblings and children who attend other schools WILL pay for meals unless the family qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.
Eligibility for Free or Reduced School Meals
Many children will still qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families are strongly encouraged to learn whether they are eligible and complete necessary paperwork. Information is posted on the district website Food Service page. Questions should be directed to our Sodexo Food Service team at 618-346-6320 ext. 1148 or email [email protected].
Paying for School Meals/Using Skyward Family Access for Food Service Payment
You may write a check or send cash for any amount you wish to deposit in your child’s lunch account. You may also deposit money through Skyward, where you may view your child’s account. The money will be applied to all purchases in the cafeteria. Parents may restrict snack bar purchases. Amounts remaining in the accounts of returning students at the end of the previous school year will be rolled into their account for the following school year.
Collinsville CUSD 10 uses the Skyward Food Service in the cafeteria. It has provided our students with an easier way to pay for their lunches. A summary of the benefits to students and parents with this system are:
1. Parents may deposit money into the student’s account eliminating the need to send cash on a daily basis.
2. Student lunch lines move faster.
3. Students are not inconvenienced with lunch tickets.
4. Student lunch status is confidential.
5. Parents will be able to view every purchase made daily through the Skyward system.
6. Students are notified at the cash register when their account is low.
Here’s how to set up a Food Service account on Skyward Family Access:
For more information on the CUSD 10 Food Service program, visit the Food Service page on our website.