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:

1. Students must take a fully reimbursable meal in order for it to be free. If they refuse, they will be charged per item.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 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.