FAQs


Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does a student set up a meal account?
	All students are issued an ID number which is used as the student account number for all meal programs. The school data clerk is responsible for assigning all ID numbers for students. The Food & Nutrition Services Department must have a student ID number to process free and reduced meal applications.

2. How do I get a refund on my student�s account?
	If your child changes schools within the AISD, the balance will transfer with your child. If you move to another district, please contact the AISD Food & Nutrition Office at 682.867.7624 or fax a request to 817.459.7657. A check will be processed within two weeks and mailed. Refunds less than $10.00 can be made by the school cafeteria manager.

3. How can I make deposits into my child�s lunch account?
	Money can be placed in lunch accounts by check or cash at the school. Credit or debit cards may be used by setting up an account at www.PayPams.com. There is a convenience fee of $1.95 for each transaction regardless of the amount of the transaction. The credit card types accepted are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards. Debit cards that have a Visa or MasterCard logo are also accepted.

	If you are paying by check for more than one child, please send a note specifying how much money you would like to place on each child�s account. Please include the student name on the check and his/her ID number to help us ensure the money is credited to the right account.

4. How can I find out what my child is purchasing in the cafeteria?
	You can set up an account at www.PayPams.com to view your student�s meal purchases without cost or having to make a deposit. You will be able to see the date and transactions beginning with the date you set up an account at this web site for your child.

5. What if my child is allergic to milk, peanuts, etc.?
	If your child has a food allergy, please print the form on the AISD Food & Nutrition Services web site, �Special Diet Request Form� and have it completed by an authorized medical authority. The federal government does not allow our meal program to modify diets without a statement from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practiced nurse. Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement that explains the food substitution that is requested. The cafeteria staff is not allowed to determine, revise or change a diet prescription or medical order.

6. What is the policy for students without money or meal benefits?
	All students will be allowed to charge two meals on their account. Charges will be taken out of any future payments. Cafeteria Managers will run a low balance notice weekly or more often if necessary for teachers to distribute to students. No tray will be taken from a student, therefore additional charges can occur. Cafeteria Managers are to work with the Principal to contact the parent and assist with students that are without money or lunch on a regular basis.

	It is our goal that no child goes without a meal; therefore, Food & Nutrition Services will provide a complimentary alternative consisting of a cheese sandwich and milk or a serving of vegetable, bread and milk. This courtesy meal will be provided at no cost to the student.

7. Why do adults pay more for the same meal that students receive?
	The National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs are to provide nutritious, low cost meals to children. The federal government does not provide any assistance or reimbursement for meals served to adults. All student meals are reimbursed according to qualifying the student for paid, free and reduced priced meals. USDA regulations specify that in no way should federal program subsidize the meals provided to adults. The adult meal price is set by a formula from the federal government. There are two methods used to determine the minimum amount charged for adult prices in a district:

	Lunch Method #1: Rate of Free Student Reimbursement $2.68 + Value of Commodities Received per Meal $.1950 + Severe Need $.02 = $2.875($2.90) OR
	Lunch Method #2: Highest Paid Student Meal Price $2.25 + $.26 Paid Student Reimbursement + Federal Value of Commodities Received per Meal $.1950 + Severe Need $.02 = $2.725 ($2.75)

	Breakfast Method #1: Highest Paid Student Price $1.00 + $.26 Paid Student Reimbursement = $1.26 OR
	Breakfast Method #2: Charge of Federal Reimbursement Rate for Free Student Breakfast = $1.46 For the 2009-2010 school year: Adult breakfast $1.30 and Adult lunch price $2.75