As the next school year approaches, Marietta City Schools has announced some exciting news for students and families. Marietta City Schools is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) under the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. This means all students who are enrolled in Marietta City Schools will receive one free, qualifying breakfast and one free, qualifying lunch. Under this program, no application required in obtaining these free meals. If not all your children are listed in the Direct Certification Eligibility Notification Letter, then please contact Donna Teer at (740) 376–2472 for additional assistance. Also, if your household is not Direct Certified and you wish to apply for an instructional fee waiver, you can complete a Household Income Information Survey which can be done online at PaySchoolsCentral.com or request a form from the school.
In order for a meal to qualify for this program, students must choose a complete meal that meets certain guidelines. A complete breakfast meal consists of at least three items, one of which needs to be a fruit and a complete lunch meal includes at least three items, one of which has to be a fruit or vegetable. Students are still able to get additional items for breakfast and lunch, but they would be an additional charge. These A la carte items, which include extra portions and additional items like snacks will be charged at regular menu price. Students will need money in their accounts or cash available in order to purchase these A la carte items. These specialty food items are only available at Marietta High School and Marietta Elementary School, while students attending Phillips and Washington will be able to purchase milk or a second lunch. In addition, families are still responsible for any outstanding balance from prior years on their Payschools account.
Marietta City Schools offers three ways in which parents can pay for students’ meals. Parents can use Payschools Central, the online payment system, which can be accessed through the Marietta City Schools website under Parent Student Links/Online Lunch Payment or go to the link mentioned above in this article and click on the Sign-Up tab on the toolbar and follow instructions. Parents will need students’ names printed on their schedule or report card and their student ID number. The second option in which parents can pay for students’ meals involves sending a check made payable to Marietta City Schools with your students’ first and last name in the memo section. Families can also send cash in an envelope with your child’s name and ID number written on the front. All cash will be applied directly into your student’s account.
We are thankful the CEP program offers a great opportunity for students to receive free meals, promoting healthy eating and ensuring that all students have access to breakfast and lunch meals while at school.