Meal Prices & Payments

Sycamore Child Nutrition is committed to ensuring that every student receives a nutritious meal at both breakfast and lunch, no matter their meal account balance. If a student does not have sufficient funds on their account, they will still be offered a complete meal during their scheduled meal period, and their account will be charged accordingly, which may result in a negative balance. A complete meal includes at least three food components, with one being a fruit or vegetable, following USDA guidelines. 

Managing Negative Balances: Meal Charging Guidelines

• Students with a negative balance can still receive a complete meal at breakfast and lunch each day. 
• Students will not be permitted to charge a la carte items, such as snacks, drinks, or extra entrees, until their balance is paid in full. 
• Any funds deposited to a student’s meal account will first be applied to any outstanding balance before they can buy non-meal items. 
• Low-balance notices will be sent to families through an automated notification each Wednesday. Additional reminders will be sent monthly via email or mail. See the Online Payments & Restrictions page for more information.
• Families are encouraged to sign up for low-balance alerts through Payschools Central to help monitor account status

---

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

• Families may apply online for Free Meals at any time during the school year through Payschools Central. See the Free & Reduced Price Meals page for more information.

---

Collection of Unpaid Meal Charges. 

Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is past due. If a student’s meal account remains unpaid by the end of the school year, the balance will be added as a required school fee. This also applies if a student graduates early or withdraws from school before the year ends. Unpaid meal charges may impact a student's ability to participate in certain school activities or events until the balance is paid in full.

CNS will send reminders about overdue balances through automated emails, letters, or phone calls. Parents/guardians are encouraged to pay balances promptly, and payment plans may be available for families who need assistance.

If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to CNS to explore options for assistance, including applying for free or reduced-price meals.