Food Service
School Meal Applications Still Important
All students are currently receiving one free breakfast and one free lunch each day at school, but it is important for families who think they may qualify to not overlook filling out the free/reduced meal application. School meal applications are used for other benefits such as discounted fees for participation in activities, possible reduced registration fees for tests and for school funding. In some cases, families may qualify for discounted rates on home internet service.
Students continue to scan their barcodes to receive their meals as we need to submit a claim to receive reimbursement for the meals served. Although all meals are served at no cost, claims are submitted with the number of paid, reduced and free meals served as funding does come from different sources.
If you have any questions about the School Meal Application or Food Service program at school, please feel free to contact us.
Michelle Johnson
Food Service Director
Phone: 320-543-4615
Email: mjohnson@hlww.k12.mn.us
School Meal Program for 2023-24 School Year
Dear HLWW families,
Explanation on Free Meals for Schools
On Friday, March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law. This legislation provides one free breakfast and lunch each day to students who eat school breakfast and/or lunch.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
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Students must take a fully reimbursable meal in order for it to be free. If they refuse, they will be charged per item.
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While reimbursable MEALS are free, extra entrees ($2), extra milk ($.50) and a la carte items (prices as marked) are not and will result in a charge to the student’s meal account.
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As in the past, all balances from previous school years will carry over to next school year. That means even though students are receiving free meals, your meal account balance may still be or become negative.
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Students must still scan their barcode when eating a school meal. Please help them remember to have it at school every day. It can be found on their school ID badge or the StudentVue or ParentVue mobile app.
It is strongly recommended that all HLWW families have an online account to monitor their Food Service account. The link to your account can be found on the home page of the school’s website or at https://foodservice.edutrak.com
If you do not already have an online account, please contact the Food Service Director, Michelle Johnson at 320-543-4615 or mjohnson@hlww.k12.mn.us to receive a Key Code in order to set up your online account or if you are having difficulties logging in.
It is still very important that families complete the Free/Reduced Meal application each school year, which will be available starting July 1, 2023. The application can be completed online by logging in to your online account or via paper by filling out the PDF on our website at hlww.k12.mn.us/food/ and returned to Michelle in the District Office. In addition to affecting the school’s funding for various programs, students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
If your Food Service account is currently negative, please make a payment to your account by logging on to your online account at https://foodservice.edutrak.com, mailing a payment to PO Box 708, Howard Lake MN 55349 or calling the Food Service Director, Michelle Johnson at 320-543-4615 to discuss payment or payment options.
Low Balances (accounts must have a positive balance if purchasing extra milk, extra entrees and/or other a la carte items)
NO PAPER NOTICE WILL BE SENT HOME.
If you would like to access your account online, **FIRST TIME USERS WILL NEED A KEY CODE**
If you have not received your key code, please contact Michelle Johnson.
During the summer of 2024, Minnesota plans to introduce Summer EBT, a fresh initiative offering grocery benefits. This program will furnish families with $120 per eligible school-aged child, aiding them in purchasing groceries when school is not in session. Summer often poses challenges for families as children lose access to meals provided at school, necessitating additional support for meal provision. While most families will receive these benefits automatically, some parents may need to apply.Â
Benefits of Summer EBT:
- Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
- Improves food security and diet quality for participating children.
Eligibility:
Children are eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, MFIP, FDPIR, Tribal TANF, Medicaid, and/or Foster Care, OR
- the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Enrollment:
Many families will get Summer EBT automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply.
- If the household already participates in SNAP, MFIP, FDPIR, Tribal TANF, Medicaid, and/or Foster Care, they will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. Households do not need to fill out an application.
- If the household is not automatically enrolled and may be eligible, they can get Summer EBT by filling out an application for educational benefits.
The application is available here: 2023-24 Application for Educational Benefits If you have questions about filling out an application, contact Michelle Johnson at 320-543-4615 or mjohnson@hlww.k12.mn.us
How Summer EBT Works:
The benefits will be provided on a separate EBT card, and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy..
Children and teens need healthy food year-round to play, grow, and learn. Summer EBT will help families stretch their grocery budget during the summer and provide their children with the nutrition they need to thrive.
Meal Costs
Adults/Guests lunch: $5.00
Extra Milk: 50 cents
Extra entrée: $2.00
