As students enjoy the last weeks of summer vacation, Mary Della Penna, the School Lunch Manager for the Byron-Bergen School District, is busy planning menus and coordinating changes in the food services program.

The first change for the 2018-19 school year is a price increase. Breakfast, lunch, and snack prices have all been increased by $.05. This is the first increase in lunch prices in two years and is primarily due to the rising cost of food and minimum wage increases. Parents or guardians who are concerned about the price increases are encouraged to fill out an application for the Free/Reduced Meals Program.

“Every parent should fill it out just to see where they are,” said Della Penna. “A lot of people qualify and don’t know it.” 

The second change is a statewide mandate enacting “Prohibition Against Meal Shaming”. In an effort to eliminate embarrassment or stigmatization among students, staff will no longer discuss account balances with students who are purchasing a regular breakfast or lunch. All communication regarding account balances will be directly with parents or guardians. The full Meal Charge and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming Plan can be found on the website.

As a result of this new policy, parents and guardians are encouraged to diligently track their account balances. MySchoolBucks.com is now active for the 2018-19 school year and money can be added to students’ accounts at any time.

“When the account reaches a negative balance, parents or guardians will receive an notice from the district,” added Della Penna. “An important step is for parents and guardians to check with the district to ensure their current email is on file.” 

It is the mission of the Byron-Bergen Food Services department to provide students with appetizing, affordable, and nutritious meals.