Meal Charge Policy

Student Nutrition Meal Charge Policy

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) recognizes that proper nutrition is essential to student learning, growth, and academic success. The District is committed to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals each school day while maintaining the financial integrity of the Student Nutrition Program.

This Meal Charge Policy establishes consistent procedures for unpaid meal charges, parent notification, and meal service when account funds are unavailable. The policy is implemented in accordance with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) requirements and Board policy.

Student Meal Charges

Students who do not have sufficient funds available in their meal account may charge reimbursable breakfasts and lunches up to the District-established charge limit.

For the 2026-2027 school year, the meal charge limit for all students is $12.00, which is equivalent to two breakfasts and two lunches.

The District extends this charging privilege with the expectation that all meal charges will be repaid promptly by the student's parent or guardian.

Only reimbursable meals may be charged to a student account.

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits are not charged for reimbursable meals.

Breakfast Charges

Breakfast is provided at no charge to all students attending campuses operating a Texas Department of Agriculture-approved Universal Free Breakfast program.

At campuses not eligible for the Universal Free Breakfast program, students will be charged according to their eligibility status:

  • Free eligible students: No charge
  • Reduced-price eligible students: No charge
  • Paid students: Published breakfast price

For the 2026-2027 school year, the paid student breakfast price is $2.25.

 

 

A La Carte Purchases

Students with a negative meal account balance may not charge a la carte items, extra entrees, snacks, beverages, or other non-reimbursable food items.

A la carte purchases may only be made when sufficient funds are available in the student's account or when cash is provided at the point of service.

When the Charge Limit Is Reached

Once a student's account reaches the District charge limit of-$12.00, additional meal charges will not be permitted.

To ensure that no student goes without a meal, the District will provide a courtesy meal at breakfast and lunch until funds are deposited into the student's account or the outstanding balance is resolved.

Courtesy meals may differ from the standard menu offering but will provide a nutritious meal option consistent with District procedures.

Students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2 who reach the charge limit will be permitted to keep the reimbursable meal selections they have already chosen.

Students in Grade 3 and above who reach the charge limit will be provided the District-designated courtesy meal entrée and may keep the sides and milk they have selected as part of the meal.

Courtesy meals will be served in a manner that protects student confidentiality and prevents overt identification.

Students Eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Students approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits will not be denied a reimbursable meal due to a negative balance resulting from a la carte purchases, extra items, or other non-reimbursable charges.

However, the District may restrict additional purchases when an outstanding balance exists

Parent and Guardian Notification

The District will make reasonable efforts to notify households when student meal account balances become low or negative.

Notification methods may include:

  • Automated email notifications
  • Automated phone notifications
  • Written correspondence
  • Online meal account balance access through the District's payment system, School Cafe

Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor meal account balances regularly and make timely deposits to prevent disruptions to normal meal service.

Payment Options

Funds may be added to student meal accounts:

  • Online through the District's meal payment system, School Cafe
  • By cash payment at the school cafeteria
  • By check payable to Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Student Nutrition at the school cafeteria

Households experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits in the School Café mobile app or www.schoolcafe.com.

Non-Discrimination and Confidentiality

CFBISD will administer this policy in a manner that protects student confidentiality and prevents overt identification.

District staff will not:

  • Publicly identify students with negative meal balances;
  • Require students to work in exchange for meals;
  • Use wristbands, hand stamps, stickers, or similar methods to identify students with unpaid meal charges; or
  • Take actions that single out or embarrass students receiving charged or courtesy meals.

Annual Distribution

This Meal Charge Policy shall be reviewed periodically, approved by the Board of Trustees, and provided to households annually and upon student enrollment as required by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

For questions regarding meal account balances, payments, or meal benefits, please contact Student Nutrition Services at 972-968-6390.