Frequently Asked Questions, Food Service
Did you know that students who are well-nourished are shown to have increased problem-solving abilities, memory, verbal fluency and creativity? Still, the challenge is to make nutritious foods that kids will actually eat! Mohonasen students who buy their lunches in the school cafeteria know that the old days of "one-lunch-fits-all" are gone. Variety and choice are key these days. And at just $1.75 for elementary students and $2.25 for middle and high school students, Mohonasen's school lunches are clearly one of the best deals around! Did you also know that today's school meals are low in fat and they provide one half of the recommended dietary allowances for calories, protein and vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. So what are you waiting for? Check us out today!
Just how healthy are school meals?
All meals are lower in fat and provide balanced servings from each food group. School lunches provide half of the recommended allowances for calories, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. In recent years, Mohonasen has increased its use of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. And nothing is fried; everything is baked – even the fries!
What are the prices for school meals?
It depends on the school you or your child attends. For elementary children, breakfasts costs $1.00 and lunches are $2.00. Middle school students also pay $1.00 for breakfast and lunches are $2.50. High school students are offered breakfast for $1.00 and lunches cost $2.50.
Can students pre-pay for meals?
Yes – and parents will save money doing so since children earn one free lunch for every 20 that are paid for in advance. The cost for the prepaid plan is $40 for 21 elementary lunches and $50 for 21 lunches at the middle and high school. Parents can send payment to school with their child, mail a check to the Mohonasen Food Service Program, 2072 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303, or pay online at www.PayPAMS.com. Children are given a pin number to type into a computer keypad as they go through the cafeteria line and the cost of the meal is automatically deducted from their account. Cafeteria workers help remind students when their account is getting low. Pin numbers may not be used to purchase snack items. This system helps parents control how kids spend their lunch money and cuts down on the number of kids who lose their lunch money. Parents of students using the prepay policy may also obtain a copy of account activity showing which days students purchase meals.
What if we can’t afford school meals?
Students may be eligible for free or reduced price lunches if their families meet federal guidelines. The application only takes a minute to fill out and can be done at any time during the school year. Students are given pin numbers just like everyone else so their peers and food service workers are not aware which children are receiving free or reduced price lunches. To obtain a copy of the application, call the food office at 356-8225, e-mail us with your address and we'll mail it directly, or click here to download a form (PDF document).
Applications should be submitted to Kim Gagnon, Food Service Director, Mohonasen Central School District, 2072 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303.
NOTE: Families who are eligible for free or reduced price school meals are also income-eligible for the WIC program. WIC is a special supplemental food program that provides food and nutrition education for pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to the age of five. To learn more about WIC, receive an application and/or make an appointment to enroll, call the Schenectady County WIC clinic at 346-8818.
How can I make sure my child is eating a good breakfast?
Children need breakfast to stay alert and do well in school throughout the day. It wakes up their brains after a long night’s rest — like throwing a log onto a smoldering fire. If your child doesn't have time to eat a good breakfast in the morning or simply isn't hungry that early, the school breakfast program is a great option.
Breakfast is served from 8 to 8:30 a.m at our elementary schools and the food service staff will wait if they know a bus hasn’t arrived yet. At the middle school, breakfast is served from 7 to 8 a.m. There is a sign in sheet available for students using the breakfast program that will excuse them if they're a little late for homeroom. At the high school level, students have access to breakfast from 7 to 7:30 a.m. in Cafeteria B, while seniors can eat breakfast until 9:40 a.m.
What are the policies on "charging" meals?
At the high school: Mohonasen High School students are not allowed to charge school lunches
At the middle school: Students may charge any combination of meals up to a value of $5. No snacks or ala carte items may be charged. In the event a student forgets his/her money again after they have reaches their charge limit, they will be offered a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit and milk at no charge until daily charges are paid.
At the elementary school:The policy is the same as at the middle school, except students may charge any combination of meals up to a value of $6.
How much does this program add to my school tax bill?
Nothing! Mohonasen's Food Service Program is entirely self supporting.
