Once students hit the debt maximum, they will receive an alternative entrée of sunflower seed butter and whole grain crackers, the district said.
RICHARDSON, Texas — Richardson ISD is implementing a new meal charge procedure that limits the amount of debt kids can incur before they receive an alternative meal.
In the 2025-2026 school year, a student with an insufficient balance on their school meal account will be allowed a five-day grace period to continue to purchase meals, the district said. Elementary students can purchase meals until they reach a negative balance of $25.75 and up to $26.50 for secondary students.
Once the limit is reached, students will receive an alternative entrée of sunflower seed butter and whole grain crackers, the district said. A student with a negative balance can purchase a meal using cash at the register.
The district said its goal in establishing the policy is to outline consistent procedures across the district, encourage parents and guardians to take responsibility for meal payments and treat students with dignity and respect.
Parents are encouraged to use the district’s online portal to pay for meals and track purchases. If a child has a negative balance, the child nutrition department will notify the guardian by sending negative balance slips home with the child, sending emails or calling parents directly.
Richardson ISD released the following statement on the changes:
“Richardson ISD is committed to supporting all student’s growth and learning by providing nutritious quality meals.
Like many districts in the area facing difficult decisions in the midst of funding challenges, meal charge limits are being implemented to reduce balances for accumulated lunch debt. In the 2024-25 school year, RISD absorbed more than half a million dollars in student meal debt.
This new meal charge procedure DOES NOT impact students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals or to students attending one of the 23 campuses which are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which offers free meals for all students.
For more information visit at https://web.risd.org/childnutrition, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.
RISD will continue to work diligently to support individual students and families based on any extenuating circumstances with respect to the privacy of the family and the mental, physical, academic growth and well-being of the student.”
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