Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is AISD's policy for charging in the cafeteria?
A: Please refer to the charge policy tab on our website for more details. Charging meals is limited to reimbursable meals; no a la carte menu items may be charged. Once charge limit is reached, Amarillo ISD Food Service will provide a peanut butter sandwich or cheese sandwich and milk at no charge. Visitors are not allowed to charge.
Q: Can I pay for meals online?
A: YES! You may view your child's balance and add money online at https://www.parentonline.net/Public/Login.aspx
Q: Why do teachers, adults and visitors pay higher meal prices?
A: Student meals are subsidized by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) with CLOC (Cash in Lieu of Commodities) and state reimbursements. The state does not allow Teacher/Adult/Visitor meals to receive such reimbursements. TDA (Texas Department of Agriculture) requires that no Child Nutrition Program funds go to subsidize adult meals, therefore slightly higher prices.
Q: Can a student pay for meals in advance by check? Who should a student give payment to?
A: Yes. Please make checks payable to AISD Child Nutrition and have your student deliver the check to the cafeteria manager or cashier at their school. Please put your child's first and last name on the check memo along with PIN number if known.
Q: Chocolate milk is bad for kids and causes hyperactivity, right?
A: No, chocolate milk provides essential nutrients, calcium, protein, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, potassium and Vitamin B12. Scientific reviews indicate that sugar intake does not cause hyperactivity or other behavioral problems or interfere with academic performance in children. (Ref. 1 & 2) Reports that sugar intake causes hyperactivity or other behavioral or learning problems in children have been based on anecdotal reports, not adequately controlled experiments. Studies also show that chocolate milk helps children develop strong bones and teeth. Chocolate milk provides 300 mg. of calcium, 1/3 of what the daily requirement is for children. There are 40 more calories in chocolate milk than in white, and children need calories for energy.
Q: Why can't parents bring in outside food for parties and fund-raisers?
A: The Texas Department of Agriculture has created a new set of guidelines for Texas public schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. In an effort to fight childhood obesity, the rule restricting parents, student groups, faculty and administration from selling or providing restricted items is extended throughout the entire school day (last bell). For more information about the TDA Regulations visit www.squaremeals.org and click on Red School House (Texas Public School Nutrition Policy).
Q: Why can't students be served certain types of candy and snacks at school?
A: The Texas Department of Agriculture created a policy for Texas public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. In an effort to fight childhood obesity, the Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value Policy (FMNV) restricts such foods as soda, water ices, chewing gum, and certain candies from being served or provided on the school campus until after the last scheduled bell rings. All campuses are restricted from serving FMNV items throughout the entire school day (last bell). For more information about The Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value Policy visit Texas Department of Agriculture website @ www.sqauremeals.org
Q: How do I know if my students are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Meal Program?
A: Quickest and easiest way is to apply online at https://freeandreducedapps.amaisd.org/, or simply pick up an application at your student's school main office or visit the AISD Education Service Center at 7200 I-40 West, Room 223, to complete the application. Applications are available in English and Spanish. For more details, please call Gail Penka, Child Nutrition Office at (806) 326-1266.
References:
1. White, J.W., and M. Wolraich. Effect of sugar on behavior and mental performance. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 62(suppl): 242-249, 1995.
2. Wolraich, M.L., D.B. Wilson, and J.D. White. The effect of sugar on behavior or cognition in children. A meta-analysis. JAMA 274: 1617-1621, 1995.