Growing debt from unpaid meals is forcing the Sioux Falls School District to make fiscally responsible changes. On Friday, December 1, 2023, all negative meal accounts will be reset to a zero balance thanks to generous donors. Starting Monday, December 4, the District will be enforcing school board policy. When an account has any amount of negative balance, breakfast will not be able to be charged. Once an account reaches a negative (-)$20 balance, the student will be offered a Smart Snack and a milk rather than a hot lunch and $1 will be charged each time to the student account. Once an account reaches a negative (-)$75 balance, no Smart Snack or meal can be served.
Any student who qualifies for Free/Reduced Meals because of limited family income IS and WILL CONTINUE to receive hot meals. Additionally, community supporters are making funds available for families who fall between 185% up to 230% of the poverty level. This means even those who are just barely over the federal income guidelines will also receive assistance.
- If the family income is between 185% and 200% of poverty: The Angel Fund will cover the full cost of regular meals (both lunch and breakfast);
- If the family income is between 200% and 215% of poverty: For every $1 the family contributes for regular meals, the Angel Fund will contribute $3; and
- f the family income is between 215% and 230% of poverty: For every $3 the family contributes for regular meals, the Angel Fund will contribute $1.
The debt, in question, is accruing because those who earn more than the federally identified income – and/or have not filled out a Free/Reduced Meal Application - are not paying for meals eaten by their child(ren).
If you haven’t completed a Free/Reduced Meal Application this school year, but believe you may qualify, immediate action is requested. Those who apply, but are denied between today and December 1, 2023 MAY still qualify for incremental assistance if additional funds become available.