WHAT ARE THE PRICES OF LUNCH?

Elementary lunch is $1.75 and secondary is $1.80.

WHAT IS CafTRAC?

CafTRAC is a computerized point of sale system which is installed in all Parkland School District schools.

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HOW DOES CafTRAC WORK?

CafTRAC allows parents and students to pre-pay for lunches by depositing money into an account.  Elementary students only need to tell the cashier their name to access their account.  Middle school students need their ID number to enter the food court and to use the CafTRAC system.  High school students need their ID number.  Student’s photos are on the system to deter students from using another account.

WHAT DO I DO IF I ONLY WANT MY CHILD TO PURCHASE A MEAL AND NO EXTRAS?

Parents wanting the account to only be used for a complete lunch may do so by notifying the cafeteria in writing.  This information will be entered into the system and the CafTRAC operator will be made aware of your request.  If you choose to do this, be advised that you will be blocking ALL A LA CARTE PURCHASES.  This means beverage and/or snack purchases on days a student packs must be paid in cash.  It also means that an account balance cannot be used to purchase an extra menu item (e.g. milk, pizza, breadsticks, etc.).

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HOW DO I USE AN ACCOUNT?

All students have their account information already installed in the system.  An initial deposit (cash or check payable to “P.S.D. Cafeteria Account”) must be brought to the cafeteria prior to the start of any school day.  The deposit is to be placed in an envelope clearly marked with the student’s name, homeroom number, grade and student I.D. number.  The envelope is to be given to the CafTRAC operator or Drop Box.  The account will be opened that morning and the funds will be available for lunch that day.  A check may also be sent directly to the Parkland Food Services, 2219 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA  18104. Be sure to include the student’s name, homeroom number, and grade and student I.D. number.  There is a $10.00 fee for a returned check.

HOW CAN I CHECK THE BALANCE OF MY CHILD’S ACCOUNT?

Students are informed when their balance is under $3.00.  A parent can call the school’s cafeteria for a current balance.

DO I HAVE TO USE CafTRAC?

The CafTRAC system is optional.  Cash can be used on a daily basis.

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HOW DO I FIND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION OF A MEAL OR PRODUCT?

Carbohydrate lists are available on the web site.  If a student has an allergy, you can contact the Food Service manager at the school, the school nurse, or the Food Service office.  Nutritional information and ingredients are available upon request.

HOW OFTEN DOES A FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION NEED TO BE COMPLETED?

An application must be completed each school year.

WHO DETERMINES WHAT FOOD GOES ON MY CHILD’S TRAY?

By federal law, the school cafeteria must allow the child to choose what he/she wants to eat from the selections available.

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WHAT IS A REIMBURSABLE MEAL?

Only meals that meet the government requirements for meal patterns are subsidized.  For instance, in a given day at lunch the requirements would be 2 ounces of meat, ¾ cup of fruit and/or vegetables, and ½ pint of milk.  Each week 8 servings of bread must be offered.  In order for a meal to be reimbursable 3 out of these 5 food groups need to be selected.

WHAT IF A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT LOSES THEIR I.D.?

Middle school students that lose their ID card should go to the main office.  Elementary and high school students do not use cards.  Students should not tell any students their ID number.

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WHAT ARE THE CHOICES ON THE ELEMENTARY MENU?

Students have a daily choice of three different entrees.  Main Entrée- This item changes daily and includes two fruits/vegetables, bread, and a choice of low fat milk.  The Alternate Entrée- Students can select an alternate hot entrée which changes weekly and includes the same accompaniments as the main entree.  Examples of hot alternate entrees are cheeseburger, hot dogs, and chicken fryze and are listed on the first day of the week of the menu. The Cereal Meal- Students can select the cereal meal on a daily basis and includes a whole grain cereal bowl, fruit yogurt, string cheese, chilled fruit, and a choice of low fat milk.

WHY ARE FIRST GRADERS ONLY ALLOWED TO SELECT THE MAIN ENTRÉE TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR?

Alternate entrees and the cereal meal are not available to first grade students in the start of the school year.  This is done to give students the opportunity to adjust to the process of buying lunch in the cafeteria.  The alternates will be available on November 3rd.

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MY CHILD CAN NOT HAVE MILK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

National School Lunch Program Regulations prohibit substituting juice for milk as part of school lunch without a statement from a doctor. A current statement from a doctor must be submitted to the school nurse each year.  If your child is allergic to milk, please secure a note indicating what kind of juice may be substituted and give to the school nurse.

WHAT BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS TO PURCHASE?

Parkland follows the Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools.  Elementary schools will only serve a variety of low fat milks, 100% juices including Capri-Sun, and bottled water.  Secondary Schools will serve a minimum of 75% of beverages that are milk, juice, and water.  Sports drinks are not sold in the cafeterias.

DOES PARKLAND DEEP FRY ANY FOOD?

 
Parkland does not own deep fryers.

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Thank you for your support of the lunch program.  Please call if you have any questions!  You may call the school and ask for the cafeteria or call the Food Service office at 610-351-5670.