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Common Q & A

Danville Community School Corporation Food Services Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How are the menus planned?

Menus are planned at the district level. The menus must meet certain guidelines as set forth by the U.S. government as part of the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program. Menus are broken down by and planned for all elementary schools, middle school, and the high school. Various choices are available daily at each school.

  1. What qualifies as a reimbursable meal (Combo)?

DCSC meals must meet certain meal patterns to qualify as reimbursable meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. A lunch consists of five components: meat/meat alternate, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. Students can take all 5 components, or decline up to two. At least one half cup of fruit or vegetable must be taken. A breakfast consists of four components: two grains or a grain and protein, as well as a fruit and milk. Students may choose to decline one of these components at breakfast.

  1. How do I know which items are parts of a reimbursable meal and which items are sold a la carte?

At all schools there are many items that are sold as ala carte that do not count as part of the reimbursable meal. Examples of items that are always a la carte include water, baked chips/pretzels, low Fat Ice Cream, and more. If you do not want your child to purchase a la carte items, please contact your school manager directly.

  1. How much does a reimbursable meal cost?

Current meal prices are as follows:

                         Elementary                               Intermediate-Middle-High School

                          Reduced            Paid               Reduced               Paid

Breakfast      $.30               $.50                  $.30                  $.50

Lunch              $.40               $3.15                $.40                  $3.25

  1. I receive free or reduced price lunch and breakfast. What exactly can I purchase at this price?

The free or reduced price is for areimbursable meal only . You must meet the requirements of this meal to receive the meal at a free or reduced price. You can purchase ala carte outside of this, but it will not be included in a free or reduced price meal. Multiple entrée choices are offered at each school. You may purchase any entrée as part of your free or reduced price meal as well as fruit, vegetables, and milk.

  1. Will the other students know if I receive free or reduced price meals?

No. You will purchase meals just as any other student. There is nothing on the cashiers’ screens that would show that you receive free or reduced price meals.

  1. How are portion sizes determined?

The government regulates the portion sizes of foods that are considered part of the reimbursable meal. The meal pattern specifies the minimum number of servings and portion sizes for each of the required components. Serving sizes are adjusted to meet the nutritional needs of students according to age. Meal prices are calculated based on the recommended serving sizes. When serving larger portions, food costs would increase and result in higher prices.

  1. How nutritious are school meals?

Both lunch and breakfast must meet certain nutrition requirements as required by the government including calories, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. All nutritional information is listed on our website.

  1. How do I pay for meals?

There are three options to pay for meals: cash, check, and online payment with debit or credit card through the Infinite Campus parent portal. If cash is used, change will not be given and instead deposited into the student lunch account. This is in an effort to serve students as quickly and efficiently as possible.

  1. What are the advantages of using Infinite Campus online payments?

There are many! It is easy to use, safe, and allows parents to track what their students are purchasing. Once an account is established it is a completely free service, however, credit card payments are subject to a service fee. DCSC greatly encourages the use of Infinite Campus online payments because it is a very efficient and safe way of collecting money for student accounts and monitoring student accounts. 

  1. What are government commodity foods? Are these items of good quality?

Commodities are food items that are purchased by the USDA and allocated to school corporations at a reduced cost depending upon availability. Commodities must meet high quality specifications as do all other food purchases. Commodity foods only contribute to about 20% of our total food purchases.

  1. Why is an adult/ visitor meal a higher price than student meals? Isn’t the amount of food served in each the same?

The Food Services Department receives varying amounts of reimbursement for each student meal we serve. We receive NO reimbursement for adult/visitor meals. As a result, adult/visitor is charged a la carte pricing which reflects the actual cost of the meal.

  1. How do I apply for free/reduced meals?

Free and reduced meal applications are now available online through the parent portal of Infinite Campus.  Once logged in, click applications/forms. No printing of applications needed! Paper applications will still be available in the front offices of all schools and at the administrative building. Don't forget, unless notified, households must reapply every year in order to keep benefits.

  1. Who do I contact if I have additional questions about my child’s meals?

You can contact Stephanie Stuemke, Director of Food Services at 317-745-0366 or the following cafeteria managers:

Stacey Cooper- Danville High School- 317-745-6431

Janice Carter- Danville Middle School- 317-745-5491

Denise Silvers- Danville South Elementary- 317-745-2131

Rene Gillaspy- Danville North Elementary- 317-745-2610