North Shore Community School Food Service
Free School Meals Program
Beginning in July 2023, the Child Nutrition Department will provide free school meals for all. Breakfast and lunch will be free for all students.
The Free School Meals Program is a state funded program that provides reimbursement for meals served to students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals so all students receive the meals at no cost.
North Shore Community School (NSCS) Child Nutrition program’s goal is to provide nutritious meals to students to promote healthy eating habits and enhance learning and eliminate the stigmatization of children who are unable to pay for meal charges. As part of this state program, NSCS must continue its participation in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. This means we are still asking parents to fill out the Application for Educational Benefits, formally known as the free and reduced lunch form. This helps bring more funding to NSCS.
Application for Education Benefits forms are emailed to families before the start of school. Paper Applications can also be obtained from the school office. Anyone may apply or reapply for Education Benefits at any time during the school year. This could be based on an increase to the size of your household, a decrease in household income, unemployment, a newly placed foster child, or approval for Medicaid, MFIP, Food Stamps or FDPIR benefits. Complete information on Application for Educational Benefits can be obtained from the food service department.
Breakfast and lunch meals will be provided for free to all students, regardless of economic status. Students may be able to purchase a second lunch at the adult price if they have a positive balance in their meal account. Students may bring a prepared lunch from home and milk will be available for purchase to supplement lunches brought from home.
Apply online for Educational Benefits @ SchoolPay
or download a paper Application for Educational Benefits and return to school: 2024-25 Application for Educational Benefits
Milk: .50 ¢
Adult Breakfast Price: $2.40
Adult Lunch Price: $5.00
NSCS operates on a pre-paid meal system for milk and 2nd lunch purchases. Students will need a note from a parent/guardian to be able to purchase a second meal at the adult price. Accounts are maintained by individual child accounts, not family accounts. Sibling accounts cannot be shared. One check may be written per family but please indicate how much money to put in each child’s account. Make sure all funds are clearly labeled with amount and account names, we prefer that you pay by check. An email will be sent out nightly for all student accounts with low or negative meal account balances. For more information refer to Policy 534 School Meals.
Parents have two options to put money in their child's meal account:
- Online @ SchoolPay
- Check or cash- Checks written to NSCS, receipts are given for all cash. Funds can be deposited into accounts daily in the cafeteria by either parents or students. Accounts are maintained as individual child accounts, not family accounts. Sibling accounts cannot be shared. One check may be written per family, but please indicate how much money to put in each child’s account. Make sure all funds are clearly labeled with amount and account names.
An email will be sent out nightly for all student accounts with low or negative meal account balances.
Breakfast Program:
Breakfast is served from 7:40 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Students who want breakfast should come directly to the cafeteria in the morning when they arrive in the building. They should not go to their lockers or classrooms first. This is the most efficient manner to get them through with breakfast and to their classroom on time in the morning.
Offer versus Serve:
NSCS participates in “offer versus serve” for Enhanced Food Based Menu Planning. Students may decline one or two of the five required food items offered for lunch daily; students have the option of which items to decline. They may decline one item for breakfast.
Meal and Milk Substitutions for Medical or Special Dietary Reasons:
As a sponsoring authority of USDA nutrition programs, NSCS is required to provide substitutions medical or other special dietary reason. Participants requiring changes must provide a signed statement from a licensed physician. Complete information on special dietary needs can be obtained from the food service department.
Kitchen Rental:
Organizations and individuals will be permitted use of the kitchen for approved activities provided they comply with the "Rental Agreement." Complete information on kitchen rental can be obtained from the school office or the Duluth Township Rental Coordinator.
Contact Information:
To reach any of the food service personnel, please call (218) 525-0663 ext. 119. The fax number is (218) 525-0024.
Melissa Backen
Food Service Coordinator
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
This school participates in the USDA child nutrition program. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.