Both the North Smithfield School District and ARAMARK are committed to providing meals to students who choose to participate in the program but also feel very strongly that there is an obligation to take care of debts in a timely manner.  There is a responsibility on the part of the students and parents/guardians to satisfy all financial obligations to the lunch program.

In order to provide students and parents/guardians in the North Smithfield School District with the best possible service, clarity, and accountability surrounding the school lunch program, the following procedures regarding student lunch account balances will be implemented November 10, 2011.

Students with No Money for Lunch or a Negative NutriKids Account Balance

Going forward two situations can occur: 
  a) “Cash” Payments:  Students who typically pay by “cash” [pay as you go] – and do not have any money on any given day
  b) NutriKids Payment:  Students who “pay” from their NutriKids account/ balance whose account is in deficit.

Elementary Level:   In both “a & b” above:

•   See “$10.00 & $20.00 Negative Balance” information below.

Secondary Level:  In both “a & b” above:

• No charging of the “regular/hot” school lunch is permitted. 
• The student will receive a “sandwich” lunch - sandwich, fruit, and milk in place of a regular/hot lunch.  This meal maintains the USDA standards surrounding reimbursable meals and will be charged at full price to the student’s account.
• See “$10.00 & $20.00 Negative Balance” information below.

 $10.00 Negative Balance Threshold

1. The Food Service Office will send letters to parents/guardians of elementary school students whose balances exceed $10.00.  A list of negative account balances of more than $10.00 will be forwarded to each Principal by ARAMARK.
2. Once balance notification has been sent out, parents/guardians will have five (5) days to pay or make arrangements to pay outstanding student balances.

$20.00 Negative Balance Threshold

1. Once balance notification has been sent out, parents will have five (5) days to pay or make arrangements to pay outstanding student balances.
2. Student accounts with balances higher than negative twenty dollars (-$20.00) for which payment arrangements have not been made are subject to “closure” - the accounts will be closed out and they cannot participate in the lunch program until such time as the negative balance is addressed.
3. Under an extreme situation of nonpayment/communication, it may be necessary to withhold report cards should a negative balance remain outstanding with no follow up from the parent/guardian.

Charging to a NutriKids Student Account that is in “Good Standing”

1. Students may charge their accounts only for a “regular/hot” [reimbursable] lunch or milk.

Free/Reduced Lunch Applications

• Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to submit free/reduced lunch application forms annually as well as when their household information or income changes.  Applications can be submitted at any time and are available during registration or through individual schools as well clicking here for the application.  While North Smithfield School District strongly encourages families to apply for free/reduced meal benefits, the final application responsibility lies with the parents/guardians.
   
• Free/reduced applications will also become a part of all paperwork provided to families of students transferring into the North Smithfield School District.

Registration information will be sent home with report cards and will be available on this website - November 10, 2011.