About Olentangy Food Services
School Lunch Program FAQs
Does school lunch have to meet any nutritional standards?
Yes, the National School Lunch Program states that school lunch must provide 1/3 of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for key nutrients including calories, protein, calcium, iron, Vitamins A & C, total fat (30% of calories or less), and saturated fat (10% of calories or less). Please note: Olentangy Local Schools Food Service does not fry any of their foods.
What if my child does not want to take everything offered for lunch?
School lunch includes the following components: a meat or meat substitute, two bread equivalents, a vegetable, a fruit, and milk. Students must select at least three meal components daily, but are not required to take all five. According to the National School Lunch Program, students must select a minimum of three components so that their lunch will qualify for reimbursement.
Can my child choose to have seconds at lunch?
Yes, Olentangy Local Schools offer Snackwise™ cart selections. Snacks are available daily for grades 3-5. A limited selection of snacks are available to grades K-2 on Friday only. Snackwise™ cart selections may be purchased with Cash Only. Please refer to Snackwise™ handouts for offerings and pricing.
Does Olentangy offer Free and Reduced Lunch?
Yes. Olentangy Local Schools participates in the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced-price lunches for qualifying students. Students on the free or reduced-price lunch program use the debit card system to purchase their lunches so they do not have to identify themselves verbally as they pass through the line. We encourage parents of students receiving reduced-price lunches to maintain a small balance in their account to cover the $.40 charge for lunch. However, students may pay cash on a daily basis if desired. For schools that participate in the School Breakfast Program, breakfast would be free or reduced ($.30) as well.
What is the debit card system?
The debit card is not a credit card. Parents must deposit money in advance to pay for their child’s lunch. The debit card system helps us to serve your children more efficiently by speeding up the lunch line and instantly showing the cashier any specified preferences, restrictions or food allergies reported by the child’s parent. The debit card may only be used to purchase school lunch, seconds, and a limited number of à la carte beverages as they pass through the lunch line.
Can I still give my child cash to pay for lunch every day?
Yes, parents may still choose to pay cash instead on a daily basis. However, the debit card system helps to speed up the lunch line and helps end the days of children forgetting their lunch money.
How can I make a deposit?
Deposits should be made by check or money order, payable to Olentangy Food Service. Please make checks for the amount to be deposited to the account only, and put the student’s name in the comment section of the check. Change will not be given to students. Deposits can also be made online through the myOlentangy portal. You must have your ID # and PIN to access your account. If you have any trouble accessing the account please contact the help desk for assistance at (740) 657-4360. Cash deposits will be accepted but are made at your own risk since we cannot provide a method of tracking cash.
What if I forget to make a deposit or my child forgets his money for lunch?
At the elementary schools if a student forgets or loses his lunch or lunch money, we will allow that child to "charge" lunch (but not a la carte items) and will send a notice home to the parent indicating the amount owed. Charges must be paid immediately.
How will I know when the balance is low on my child's account?
Low Balance letters will be sent home with elementary students once a child's balance drops below one week (five lunches) so that you have an opportunity to replenish their account in a timely manner. There may be a 24-48 hour lag time for deposits to show in your child’s account.
How does Olentangy protect the debit card from being lost or used by another student?
At the elementary level, the cards are distributed to students just prior to lunch, and collected as students pass through the lunch line.
What if my child has money left on their account at the end of the year?
Balances from last year have been carried forward. Refunds are available upon request.