Greetings Lennox School District Families,
Robbin Symens, our food service director, has been diligently working with the state to qualify the District for a waiver through USDA to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in grades JK-12. I am pleased to announce that this waiver has been approved. The free breakfast and lunch only pertain to reimbursable meals which includes the standard lunch and breakfast option provided through food service. All ala carte items are not included in the reimbursable meal and will be deducted from the student’s lunch account accordingly.
The waiver was approved for September 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, but it may expire prior to December 31, 2020 if funding is depleted. We will notify you prior to the expiration of the waiver so you can plan accordingly. The District will credit each student’s lunch account for all reimbursable meals consumed between September 1, 2020 and today, September 30, 2020. All reimbursable breakfast and lunch meals consumed moving forward will be free to ALL students in grades JK-12. Again, ala carte items are not included and will be deducted from the student’s lunch account accordingly (examples of ala carte items include: second milk, double portions, snack, beverages, etc.). After the waiver expires, each student will be charged according to their lunch status (free, reduced, or full cost).
Virtual School Participation
Students enrolled in
our virtual school are also eligible to receive the free meals. Distribution of
these meals will occur through one centralized location, Lennox Elementary. If
you are a remote learner and wish to participate in this program, you must
contact Robbin Symens at 605-647-2203, ext. 5010 or by email: Robbin.Symens@k12.sd.us. Robbin will provide you with instructions for pickup when
you contact her.
Please direct all questions regarding the USDA waiver to Robbin Symens (see contact information above). We know the pandemic has caused many economic hardships and we hope this will provide each of you some relief.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad Conaway Robbin Symens Superintendent Food Service Director