FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNT BALANCES

Please remember that all balances must be paid in full before the last day of school in June.

Payments can be made by cash, check, or online https://linqconnect.com/  (Must allow 24 to 72 hours for processing and processing fees apply for online payments).

HPCSD BOE Policy 8505: Meal Charge Policy

Meal Charge and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming Policy

1. Purpose

The goal of the Hyde Park Central School District is to provide student access to nutritious no- or low-cost meals each school day and to ensure that a pupil whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not shamed or treated differently than a pupil whose parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal fees.

Unpaid charges place a large financial burden on our school. The purpose of this policy is to insure compliance with federal requirements for the USDA Child Nutrition Program and, to provide oversight and accountability for the collection of outstanding student meal balances to ensure that the student is not stigmatized, distressed or embarrassed.

The intent of this policy is to establish procedures to address unpaid meal charges throughout the Hyde Park Central School District in a way that does not stigmatize, distress, or embarrass students. The provisions of this policy pertain to regular or reduced priced reimbursable school breakfast and lunch meals only.   Charging of items outside of the reimbursable meals (a la carte items, adult meals, etc.) is expressly prohibited.

2. Policy

 Students that have Free, Reduced, and Paid eligibility are all able to receive a breakfast and lunch meal of their choice each day they are in school free of charge.  A la carte items or other similar items must be paid for in cash or using their prepaid account.  Students are not able to charge their account for snacks if they do not have sufficient funds.  

ONGOING STAFF TRAINING: 

• Food Service staff will be trained annually and throughout the year as needed on the procedures for managing meal charges using the NYSED Webinar or the school’s training program.
• Staff training includes ongoing eligibility certification for free or reduced price meals.

ONGOING ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION: 

• Food Service staff will conduct direct certification with NYSSIS or using NYSED Roster Upload to maximize free eligibility.

• The Food Service Department will coordinate with the foster, homeless, migrant, runaway coordinators to certify eligible students.

Refunds:  

Refunds for withdrawn, and graduating students  a written or e-mailed request for a refund of any money remaining in their account must be submitted.  Students who are graduating at the end of the year will be given the option to transfer to a sibling’s account with a written request.  Please see the process for refunds below:

• The primary guardian for the child should email  Foodservices@hpcsd.org with the information below. We are not able to provide information regarding a student’s account unless it is requested by the primary guardian listed with the district.
• Student name 
• Student ID number
• Primary Guardian's Name  
• Address 
• Best phone number to reach you 
• The amount you would like refunded 

Unclaimed Funds must be requested within one school year. Unclaimed funds will then become the property of the Hyde Park Central School District Food Service Program.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter, all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

     Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

     1400 Independence Avenue, SW

     Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

Hyde Park is now using the Titan School Solutions program for our point of service and for electronic payments.

Funds are able to be added to your student’s account electronically by setting up an account with the link below. You are also able to add money to your student’s account by sending in cash or a check. Please do not send bills larger than $20. Checks should be payable to HPCSD Food Service.  

Link for Titan Family Portal: https://linqconnect.com/ The phone number for Titan is 1-844-467-4700 and follow the menu choices for Titan.

Please call or email the Food Service office with any questions.

 Click Here to Print an A la Carte Spending Form

Parents and guardians now have the option to set a daily limit to how much their child spends on "a la carte" purchases. "A la carte" items include extra servings, snacks, ice cream, bottled water, extra milk, etc. To set your child's limit, please print out the "A La Carte Spending" Form in entirety and return to the Food Service Department or cafeteria manager.

Hyde Park Central School District

Food Service Department

PO Box 2033

Hyde Park, NY  12538

Parents and guardians are responsible for their student's spending. If you do not return this form, no spending limit will be placed on your student's account.

School Location2025-2026 Meal Price

Student Breakfast – All Locations	No Charge
Reduced Breakfast – All Locations	No Charge
Adult Breakfast – All Locations	$3.49 + Tax
HPCSD Elementary Lunch	No Charge
HPCSD Middle School	No Charge
HPCSD High School Lunch	No Charge
Reduced Lunch – All Locations	No Charge
Adult Lunch – All Locations	$5.22 + tax

All Hyde Park CSD students are eligible to receive FREE school meals (1 breakfast and 1 lunch per day), regardless of family income, through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional meals, snacks and a la carte items will still need to be paid for. Students will be able to purchase those items with cash or funds available on their LINQ Connect accounts.
No application is required; however families should complete this Household Income Eligibility Form(HHIE)  The data gathered from this form can qualify students for additional benefits and allows the district to receive additional state and federal funding. The online form only requires an income range and is confidential.

https://linqconnect.com/public/income-form/new?identifier=EBL6AB

​For questions about the HHIE form, please contact: Susan Frank, Shared Food Service Specialist, susan.frank@neric.org or phone (518) 464-5133.

Students requesting a second meal, snack, drink, or any a la carte item must have funds either in hand or on account to pay for them. These items are not free. You can create an account for your child at LINQ Connect using this link: https://linqconnect.com/EBL6AB

SNAP benefits help you buy the groceries your family needs and supports our local economy. Apply here: www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap

HPCSD BOE POLICY 5405: Wellness Policy on Physical Activity & Nutrition

Adopted: July 6, 2023

Last Revised: May 22, 2023

Last Reviewed: June 20, 2023

For purposes of this policy, “school campus” means all areas of district property accessible to students during the school day; “school day” means the period from the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day; and “competitive food” means all food and beverages other than meals reimbursed under federal food programs available for sale to students on the school campus during the school day.     

Foods and Beverages Available for Sale to Students on School Campus During the School Day

A nutritious, well-balanced, reasonably portioned diet is essential for student wellness.  To help students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices for a lifetime, the district will ensure that all foods and beverages available in school promote good nutrition, balance, and reasonable portion sizes.  The district will ensure that all foods and beverages available for sale to students on the school campus during the school day meet or exceed the program requirements and nutrition standards found in federal regulations.

To accomplish this, the Board directs that the district serve healthy and appealing foods and beverages at district schools, following state and federal nutrition guidelines, as well as safe food preparation methods.

School Meals – the district will:

1. Include fruits, vegetables, salads, whole grains, and low fat items at least to the extent required by federal regulations.
2. Encourage students to try new or unfamiliar items.
3. Make efforts to ensure that families are aware of need-based programs for free or reduced-price meals and encourage eligible families to apply.
4. Consider serving produce and food from local farms and suppliers.
5. Make free drinking water available at locations where meals are served.

Meal Scheduling  - the district will:

1. Provide adequate time to eat.
2. Schedule lunchtime between normal lunch hours.

Foods and Beverages Sold Individually (e.g., a la carte, vending machines, school stores) – the district will:

1. Ensure that all such items meet the nutrition standards set in federal regulations for competitive foods regarding whole grains, fruits, vegetables, calories, fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, sodium, and caffeine.
2. Permit the sale of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, if processed pursuant to federal regulations, as exempt from the nutrition standards.
3. Work with existing vendors or locate new vendors that will comply with nutrition standards.

Fund-Raising Activities – the district will:

1. Ensure that all fundraisers selling food or beverages to students on school campus during the school day meet the nutrition standards set in federal regulations for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, calories, fat, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, sodium and caffeine.
2. Promote non-food items to sell, or activities (physical or otherwise) in which to participate.
3. Student groups conducting fundraisers which take place off the school campus or outside the school day must obey this policy.
4. Outside organizations (e.g., Parent groups, booster clubs) conducting fundraisers which take place off the school campus or outside the school day are encouraged to follow this policy.

Celebrations – the district will:

1. Set guidelines for the frequency and content of classroom and school-wide celebrations where food is served.
2. Promote the use of food items which meet the standards for competitive foods and beverages, and promote the non-food activities, and discourage foods and beverages which do not meet those standards at celebrations.
3. Model the healthy use of food as a natural part of celebrations.

Physical Activity

Physical Activity is an important factor in staying healthy and being ready to learn.  The Board encourages every student to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, to regularly participate in physical activity, and to appreciate and enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle.  

Physical Education

1. Physical Education classes will incorporate the appropriate NYS Learning Standards.
2. Promote, teach and provide opportunities to practice activities that students enjoy and can pursue throughout their lives (e.g., yoga, fitness walking, step aerobics).
3. The performance of physical activity will not be used as a form of discipline or punishment.

Recess

1. Maintain daily allotment of recess time for elementary school
2. Limiting recess as a disciplinary measure should be utilized sparingly.

Physical Activity in the Classroom

Promote the integration of physical activity in the classroom.

Extracurricular Opportunities for Physical Activity

Promote clubs and activities that meet the carious physical activity needs, interests, and abilities of all students (e.g., walking, hiking and climbing, snowshoeing).

Nutrition Promotion and Education

The Board believes that nutrition promotion and education is a key component in introducing and reinforcing healthy behaviors in students.  Nutrition promotion and education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and values needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors will be integrated into the curriculum.  Nutrition promotion and education information will be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, school dining areas and classrooms.

Staff members who provide nutrition promotion and education will be appropriately certified and trained.  The district’s broader Health Education program will incorporate the appropriate New York State Learning Standards.

The Board’s goals for nutrition promotion and education include that the district will:

1. Include nutrition education as part of not only health education classes, but also classroom instruction in subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences and elective subjects.
2. Include enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste testing, farm visits, and school gardens.
3. Promote fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low fat dairy products, safe and healthy food preparation methods, and health enhancing nutrition practices.
4. Emphasize caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure.
5. Teach media literacy with an emphasis on food marketing.

Other School-Based Activities

The district may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.  Such activities may include, but are not limited to, health forums or fairs, health newsletters, parent outreach, employee health and wellness activities, limiting the use of food as a reward, reviewing food marketing and advertising in school, hosting or promoting community-wide events, and offering wellness-related courses in the district’s adult education program.

Implementation

The Board will designate, the Deputy Superintendent, to be responsible for ensuring that the provisions of this policy are carried out throughout the district.  The Board may also encourage one person in each building to ensure that the wellness activities and actions are being implemented at the building level.

Parents, students, food service professionals, physical education teachers, school health professionals, school administrators, the general public, and the school board will participate in the development, implementation and periodic review of this wellness policy.

The district will monitor and review the implementation and effectiveness of this policy by conducting:

1. Periodic informal surveys of Building Principals, classroom staff, students, and school health personnel to assess the progress of wellness activities and their effects.
2. Periodic checks of the nutritional content of food offered in the cafeterias for meals and a la carte items, and sales or consumption figures for such foods.
3. Periodic checks of the nutritional content of food available in vending machines, and sales or consumption figures for such foods.
4. Periodic checks of the amount of time students spend in Physical Education classes, and the nature of those activities.
5. Periodic checks of extracurricular activities of physical nature, in the number of offerings and rates of participation by students.
6. Periodic completion of relevant portions of the CDC School Health Index.
7. Periodic review of data currently collected by the district, including.
   • attendance data, particularly absences due to illness
   • test scores
   • rates of suspension, discipline, and violent incidents;
   • student BMI (Body Mass Index) statistics as collected in accordance with the State Department of Health efforts; and
8. Periodic review of professional staff development offered which focuses on student wellness.

DONATION OF FOODS:  Any items that are donated must not be consumed during the school meals.  Any donated snacks must comply with smart snacks regulations and be 'smart snack compliant'.

Ref:    

P.L. 111-296 (The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010)

P.L. 108-265 (Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004)

42 USC §1758(f)(1); 1766(a)(Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act)

42 USC §1779 (Child Nutrition Act)

7 CFR §210.10; 210.11; 210.11a (National School Lunch Program participation requirements – standards for lunches, snacks, and competitive foods)

7 CFR §220.8 (School Breakfast Program participation requirements – nutrition standards)

8  NYCRR Part 135 (Health and Physical Education curricular requirements); §114.1 (School Breakfast Program Requirements)

Appeal of Phillips, 37 EDR 204 (1997) (dec. no. 13,843)

Appeal of Williams, 32 EDR 621 (1993) (dec. no.12,934)

Cross-ref: 

5420, Student Health Services

5420-R Student Health Services - Regulation

Dear Community Members,

We are excited to announce that the Hyde Park Central School District will once again be hosting the summer Food Service Program. This program provides FREE breakfast and lunch for all children 18 and under.

We will be offering both breakfast and lunch at no cost.

For more information on the summer food service program, please contact us. 

• Phone: 845-229-4006
• Email: foodservice@hpcsd.org

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Best regards,

Hyde Park Central School District

• Summer Food Service Sites

  The Summer Food Service Program is a part of the National School Lunch Program which helps to alleviate the nutritional gap and makes meals accessible to children 18 years of age and under.  For a list of the sites available for this summer. Click the link below to find your nearest summer feeding site. 

• www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder

• www.fns.usda.gov

   

We are pleased to inform you that breakfast is available to all students in every building after the bell. Ensuring our students start their day with a nutritious meal is a priority for us.

To meet USDA requirements, our school breakfasts adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Nutrient Composition:
   • No more than 30% of calories from fat.
   • Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat.
2. Essential Nutrients:
   • Protein
   • Calcium
   • Iron
   • Vitamin A
   • Vitamin C
   • Calories
   • Breakfasts provide one fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowances

Breakfast Schedule:

• North Park Elementary: 9 a.m. - 9:35 a.m.
• Netherwood Elementary: 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
• Ralph R Smith Elementary: 9:25 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
• Violet Ave Elementary: 9:25 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
• Haviland Middle School: 7:50 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: 7 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
• UPK Abilities First: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

We believe that a balanced breakfast contributes to better focus, improved learning, and overall well-being. By participating in our breakfast program, your child will have the energy needed for a successful day at school.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting healthy habits among our students.

 

Food Allergies and Nutritional Label Information

Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. We are committed to partnering with families, empowering you with information, and working together to keep students safe. Upon request, we will collaborate with you to create a personalized allergy management plan to minimize your child's risk of allergen exposure at school.

While we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment (including nut or gluten-free), we are dedicated to student safety and transparency. Upon request, we can provide manufacturer documentation regarding allergens present within specific food products or at the specific school building. Full nutrition details and ingredient lists are available at LINQ Connect. Additionally, our staff undergoes annual allergy management training, each school utilizes specialized food prep kits to prevent cross-contamination, and student allergies trigger automatic "pop-up" alerts for kitchen staff to ensure unsafe items are not served.

USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires schools to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Requests must include a written statement signed by a state-licensed healthcare professional. It must detail the child's disability, how it restricts their diet, the foods to omit, and recommended substitutions. Accommodating a disability must be provided at no additional charge to the student or family. 

If your child requires a special diet consideration:

1. Please complete the diet prescription form (can be obtained from your school nurse)
2. Have form signed by your family’s doctor, a licensed physician, registered dietitian or another recognized medical authority
3. Send the completed form to your student’s school nurse along with the meals and frequency you are looking to be available
4. We will get back to you to discuss options and make a plain as soon as possible

 

Schools have the option (but are not federally required) to accommodate special diets for religious, moral, or personal preferences, provided the modified meals still meet USDA meal pattern requirements. We value your needs and will do our best to assess the needs of our students and make menus that are as inclusive as possible to allow as many families as possible to benefit from our services. 

 

If you have any questions about our cafeteria procedures, please contact Craig Elliott, Director of Nutrition Services at craigelliott@hpcsd.org at the food service office directly.

 

Non-Discrimination Statement

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027(link is external), found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov(link sends e-mail).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

Declaración de No Discriminación del USDA

De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y las regulaciones y políticas de derechos civiles del USDA, el USDA, sus agencias, oficinas, empleados e instituciones que participan o administran programas del USDA tienen prohibido discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, discapacidad, edad, estado civil, estado familiar/parental, ingresos derivados de programas de asistencia pública, creencias políticas,  o represalias o represalias por actividades previas de derechos civiles, en cualquier programa o actividad realizada o financiada por el USDA (no todas las bases se aplican a todos los programas). Los remedios y los plazos para presentar quejas varían según el programa o el incidente.

Las personas con discapacidad que requieran medios alternativos de comunicación para obtener información del programa (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, Lengua de Signos Americana, etc.) deben contactar con la agencia estatal o local que administra el programa o contactar con el USDA a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Telecomunicaciones en el 711 (voz y TTY). Además, la información del programa puede estar disponible en idiomas distintos al inglés.

Para presentar una queja por discriminación por programas, rellene el Formulario de Queja por Discriminación por Programas del USDA, AD-3027 (el enlace es externo), disponible en línea en Cómo presentar una queja por discriminación por programa y en cualquier oficina del USDA, o escriba una carta dirigida al USDA y proporcione en la carta toda la información solicitada en el formulario. Para solicitar una copia del formulario de queja, llame al (866) 632-9992. Envía tu formulario o carta completado al USDA mediante:

1.           Correo: Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU., Oficina del Subsecretario para los Derechos Civiles, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2.           Fax: (202) 690-7442; o

3.           Correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov(enlace envía correo).

El USDA es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades, empleador y prestamista.