1st -12th grade parents,

Welcome to the cafeteria where your student is able to purchase snacks. This information provides you with an overview of what they can purchase and how a parent can alert us if they would like to add a simple account restriction if needed. This memo will explain your options and let you know where to find further information on the items your student can purchase if their accounts have the funds for an item.

You are able to fund your students account with cash, check or online at myschoolbucks.com. Always label an envelope with cash or check so it goes to the correct student.

A list of snack purchases is available on the school website under the “monthly menu” tab in addition to the nutrition facts so that you and your student can make an informed decision on what they are purchasing. All of the snacks sold must meet Federal requirements. Nutrient Snack Calories 200 calories or less, Sodium 200 mg or less, total Fat 35% of calories or less, saturated Fat less than 10% of calories, trans Fat 0 g and sugar 35% by weight or less. Most of the offerings are way under the amounts required.

All snacks are $ 1 in elementary and some more at middle and high schools all are offered in the morning for purchase if a student needs a morning snack and at lunch during their lunch periods.

If a student has a positive balance and would like to purchase a snack they have the ability to do that. If an account is in the negative we do not sell snacks to that student until they have a positive balance.

We have options if you feel your student is purchasing too many items, double entrees or something that you have restricted them at home. It is a parental decision to provide your student with guidance on what they can and cannot purchase during meal times. We hope that they follow your rules set around a family conversation, however, know that sometimes they do not. If this becomes an issue, you can contact us and we can add a note to the students account for you to try to assist with the outcome. Know that it is not always a sure bet, but we will help out as much as we can. We are confident in most cases that the student is following your rules and it is very difficult to monitor a schools worth of children and what a parent says they are able to do. The second option is "cash". If your student is buying a snack with cash we typically look at that as a “pre-approved” purchase from a parent. This option is usually the best and most effective way to get the spending habit under control if it is an issue.

In closing, we are here to support and know that parental choices are for families on an individual basis. All families have different expectations for their student. We continue to abide by the wellness policy that the Bow School District has in place. As always, please reach out for further guidance.