Skip to main content

New Bedford Public Schools

Unpaid Meal Policy

Food & Nutrition Services Unpaid Meal Policy


I. PURPOSE 
New Bedford Public Schools (NBPS) is committed to providing students with nutritious meals in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. This policy establishes procedures for managing unpaid meal balances while protecting student dignity and ensuring access to school meals. 


II. MEAL SERVICE AND STUDENT PROTECTION 
Standard school breakfast and lunch shall be provided at no charge in accordance with Massachusetts law and applicable school meal programs. Students shall never be denied a reimbursable meal due to an unpaid balance. Meals already served shall never be taken away or discarded because of an inability to pay. 


Unpaid meal balances shall not result in public identification, embarrassment, disciplinary action, or restrictions on grades, graduation, extracurricular activities, or educational opportunities. All communication regarding unpaid balances shall be handled confidentially with parents or guardians. 


III. AUTHORIZED CHARGES AND ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT 
Because standard breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge, this policy applies to authorized purchases outside those meals. NBPS shall identify which items may be charged and establish applicable prices and payment procedures. 


IV. NON-REIMBURSABLE AND SECONDARY MEALS 
Non-reimbursable meals and secondary meals provided beyond a student's standard reimbursable breakfast or lunch shall be documented separately. If payment for these meals is not received from the parent, guardian, or responsible purchaser, New Bedford Public Schools shall reimburse Food & Nutrition Services at the applicable USDA-established National School Lunch Program (NSLP) reimbursement rate. 


V. FAMILY NOTIFICATION AND COLLECTION 
Parents or guardians shall be notified of outstanding balances and provided information regarding charges, payment procedures, and the process for disputing an amount. NBPS shall make reasonable efforts to assist families in determining eligibility for applicable meal benefits, including direct certification and free or reduced-price meal applications, when applicable. 


Collection efforts shall be directed to parents or guardians and handled confidentially. NBPS may offer payment arrangements when appropriate. Students shall never be punished or denied standard meals because of unpaid charges. 


VII. USDA NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, 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.