By Jacob Just

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – In an informational memo to the school board during their meeting on Monday, Superintendent Robert Lech shared with the board the policies and resources already in place regarding the school’s hot lunch program.

Each week, the school runs a report on accounts with a negative balance of $15 or more, which is shared with the school’s counselors. Parents or guardians will be notified through email, text, or letter and will allow for a grace period to bring the balance back to a positive amount. Lech says Shelly Mack, the School Lunch Director, is willing to work with families.

If the amount is not positive by a certain period, a fund made up of donations and accessible by counselors may assist in paying for a few days. Lech says, “The counselors and food service work together to determine if any financial support could benefit families. Families do not need to apply for it, they are selected based on need.” The school also has many discounted food items available for students to purchase if a lack of food exists outside of school.

If families are unable to pay after that time period, families may pack a lunch from home or pay at the till. Lech says other options are available.

Lech says, so far this school year, only one meal provided by the school has been an alternative meal. This is due to many factors.

Lech says interest in school lunches has grown recently. No action or changes were made as the information was for reference only. Lech says students will always have access to lunch and will not be denied a meal because of the amount of support provided by various programs.