Spring ISD Cafeterias Offer Nutrition and Variety for a Minimal Price

HOUSTON - July 24, 2012 - Nutrition, value and variety are three words that describe the breakfast and lunch fare offered at Spring ISD schools. Breakfast and lunch meals are offered daily on every campus. Breakfast is free for all students. Elementary students may choose from several entrees at each meal service in addition to nutritious a la carte drinks and snacks. Secondary schools offer eight or more entrées daily in addition to numerous a la carte choices found on all serving lines and kiosks. Fresh fruits, reduced fat items, vegetables and whole grains are offered daily at all schools. Lunch prices for 2012-13 are the same as last year - $1.50 for an elementary meal and $1.75 or more for meals at middle schools and high schools. A wide variety of specialty meals are available in the middle schools and high schools for $3 or more. Parents may pack a lunch for their child’s consumption only.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The application for free and reduced-price meals is online. Parents are encouraged to complete the application on the Internet for faster approval. Paper applications are available at each school. The Child Nutrition Department will help parents enter applications online at the New Student Registration Fairs July 28 and Aug. 11. Eligibility is based on federally established income and household size guidelines. All students have meal accounts and pin numbers that must be entered for every transaction whether paid, reduced or free. Student eligibility is kept confidential.

Online Applications and Payments for Meal Program

Online applications are encouraged as the process is much faster. Please visit www.springisd.org/mealapps beginning Aug. 20. Please include all children on one application only. Until applications are processed, parents will need to give their children money to purchase school meals at the prices listed above. Parents should allow 10 working days for eligibility determination after receipt of a paper application by the Child Nutrition Department. Prepayments for all meals are encouraged.

To make online payments using a debit or credit card, visit www.PayPAMS.com. The district will begin accepting payments for the 2012-13 school year starting Aug. 20. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted and the minimum payment is $10. Payments are available for use in one to two business days. Parents may schedule automatic payments based on a specified account balance and may view their child’s account balance and payment history using this system. All PayPAMS services and payments are free-of-charge. Parents must first register online at www.PayPAMS.com to set up an account. Meals may still be prepaid by depositing cash into student accounts.

For more information about Spring ISD Child Nutrition, go online to www.springisd.org/nutrition or call 281-891-6445.