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No Lunch Money Procedure

M E M O R A N D U M

FROM:           Jane Zentko MS, RD, LD/N Executive Director Contract Compliance-Food Service

TO:                 Principals; Food Service Managers; Chartwells/Thompson (for Distribution)

SUBJ:              2026-2027 NO LUNCH MONEY PROCEDURE

 DATE:              August 5, 2026

 The District has instituted a procedure at Non-CEP Schools that allows students in grades Pre-K to 12 to run a maximum negative balance equivalent to one paid lunch ($4.10 elementary; $4.35 secondary) if they do not have money to purchase their meal. 

All Duval County Public School Students

  • Students approved for free meals cannot be denied a meal, even if they have a negative balance on other cafeteria purchases

  • No student will be overtly identified during their meal purchase as receiving free, reduced-price or paid meals.

  • A copy of this policy is posted on the Food Service website and a written copy is available upon request.

Grades PreK-5

  • Students’ previous year’s lunch status will carry over during the first 30 days of school OR until meal eligibility is determined (whichever comes first). 

  • Lunch: If the student reaches the maximum negative balance amount of $4.10 (paid lunch equivalent) the student will receive a non-reimbursable “substitute meal” at no charge for lunch; the student will receive this “substitute meal” until the balance in their account has been cleared or until cash is brought to purchase a lunch.

  • Breakfast: Duval County Public Schools provides Universal Free breakfast to all students.

  • No students will be allowed to charge Ala Carte items.

Grades 6-12

  • Students’ previous year’s lunch status will carry over during the first 30 days of school OR until meal eligibility is determined (whichever comes first). 

  • Lunch: If the student reaches the maximum negative balance amount of $4.35 (paid lunch equivalent) the student will receive a non-reimbursable “substitute meal” at no charge for lunch; the student will receive this “substitute meal” until the balance in their account has been cleared or until cash is brought to purchase a lunch.

  • Breakfast: Duval County Public Schools provides Universal Free breakfast to all students.

  • No students will be allowed to charge Ala Carte items.

Miscellaneous

  • “Negative Balance” letters will be emailed to the parents from the Food Service Office by Food Service staff.