This year as we are all aware of rising food costs, the cafeteria has had to raise prices as well.  The basic meal at lunch will now be $2.10 and $1.25 for breakfast. To assist you with these food costs we are expanding the definition of the basic meal or the Maroon Meal. 

The Maroon Meal consists of 5 components:

1) Milk, fluid as a beverage

2) Vegetable 

3) Fruit 

4) Grains/ Bread 

5) Meat or Meat Alternative. 

To pay the Maroon Meal cost of $2.10 the student must select a minimum of 1 serving of each of 3 of the 5 components or they may select 4 or all 5, 1 serving each and be charged the same price of $2.10. In the past, this Maroon Meal option was only available in the “hot lunch line”. The expansion makes the Maroon Meal and its pricing available across the entire service area so all students my select food from any service area and as long as they have the minimum of 3 and no more than all 5 components, they will be charged $2.10.

The following are examples utilizing the Maroon Meal option:

1)  Selecting food through the “Hot Lunch line” and selecting at least 3 items or all items offered.    Cost:  $2.10.  

2)  Selecting food through the hot ala carte line: selecting mashed potatoes, the hot sandwich and a milk.  (This example is 4 items; potatoes = vegetable, hot sandwich = bread and meat and milk = milk)   Cost: $2.10. 

3)  Selecting cold ala carte food:  a cold cut sandwich, a bag of carrots (This example is 3 items:  bread, meat and vegetable). Cost: $2.10.

4)  Selecting a salad with meat and cheese on it and an orange ( This example is a vegetable, a fruit, and a meat and a meat alternative (cheese)  3 items total . Cost $2.10.

5)  Selecting mashed potatoes, 2 servings of chicken strips, and a Propel water drink.   ( This meal only has 2 components a vegetable; mashed potatoes and  a meat serving; 1 serving of chicken strips. The other serving of chicken strips and the Propel are simply extras.   All of these items would be priced individually.  Cost:  $6.00.

Based on the examples above, try to get your student to look for the meal components and have at least 3 on their tray to reduce the cost of lunch.  In example 4 if the student adds milk as a beverage the Cost remains $2.10.  If the student adds bottled water the Cost is $3.10.   If these examples do not make sense, you or your student may call or ask questions at any time.  I am more than happy to walk anyone through the examples or through the line to help them understand the components of the Maroon Meal. 

Adding Money to an account:   Your student id card is your lunch ticket, the bar code is scanned for purchases  and deducted off of your account.  Money may be added to your account at anytime.   Payschools is available through the Dowling Catholic web site for credit cards.  Checks and cash may be turned in through the mail slot in the afeteria or given to the Food Service Director daily until 10:00 a.m.   Checks, money or Payschools transactions made by 10:00 a.m. will be available for the student’s use the same day.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE STUDENT’S FIRST AND LAST NAME AND STUDENT ID NUMBER ARE ON THE CHECK OR IN THE ENVELOPE WITH THE CASH SO THE CORRECT ACCOUNT IS CREDITED. 

Parents may request that money on the account only be applied to Breakfast and / or Lunch Credits or to Open Cash or some combination of credits and cash .  If Credits are set up the student  has to purchase the Maroon meal and have some extra cash in the Open Cash part of their account  or use pocket money to buy extra food items.   The account can also be set up to be all Open Cash.   If there is no designation on the check or with the cash, all monies will default to Open Cash.   If you use Payschools all money will default to Open Cash.   If you have questions about this contact Food Service at 222-1028.

Zero balance:  Once the meal account is at $0.00 the student must pay cash.  There is no charging ever and no negative balances are allowed !!  Balance information is given to the student once their balance reaches $10.00. and is then verbally given with each transaction.   Balance information may also be given to a student or a parent at any time with or without a purchase. 

Borrowing or Loaning Cards:  Never let anyone borrow your card or loan it out.  The cashiers, are not aware of your loaning it out and it will be perceived as being stolen.  If arrangements need to be made to loan a card, they must be made in advance with the Food Service Director and approved by both parties involved.   If a card is deemed stolen, the matter is turned over to the Dean of Students.  

Damaged Lost or Stolen Cards:  If your card is lost or stolen, please notify the Food Service Director.  A stop will be placed on the account so no one can use the account without seeing the Food Service Director.  If the card is lost a new card may be purchased for $10.00.  This money can come directly out of your account or money may be brought in to pay for a replacement.  If a card happens to break, if all pieces are turned in the card is replaced for free.   If a card is defaced, with permanent marker or cut with scissors and no longer able to be scanned, the student will have to replace it for the $10.00 fee. 

What is my child eating:  Currently our software does not have an online application enabling you to monitor what your child is eating.   If you would like to know or would like a print out of your child’s account one may be obtained by calling or emailing the Food Service Director, Molly Ryan  222-1028  or mryan@dowlingcatholic.org.

Free and Reduced Meal Applications or Eligibility Applications:  Attached to this document is the application and information to assist you in filling it out.   If you need assistance or need the application in another language please contact Molly Ryan, Food Service Director and she will assist you.   Applications must be filled out annually.   If you attended Dowling Catholic High School last year and had this benefit your application is valid until September 30, 2008.   If you are new to DCHS either as a 9th grade student or as a transfer student and you were eligible last year, you need to fill out an application.  If your circumstances change at anytime during the school year you are welcome to fill out an application and see if you qualify for these benefits.  If you receive the free and reduced benefit, you must take advantage of the Maroon Meal as outlined above.  You must choose at least 3 and no more than 5 of the components at lunch.  All of these were outlined on page 1 of this document. 

At breakfast there is a sign that outlines the breakfast specials and a “Breakfast Special” is the Maroon Meal at breakfast.  You are welcome to put money on your card for the times when you may want to choose something extra.   If you have any questions regarding these benefits and what foods may be chosen, please feel free to ask. 

Menu information:  The menu will be posted on the web site each month.  It is also available in the cafeteria in a posted format and is available for students to take home upon request from the Cafeteria.  It is also part of the daily announcements.  Please be reminded it is subject to change without notice.

Food Allergies:  The Cafeteria may use the following wholesome ingredients, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, dairy products, fish and shellfish.  We do our best to post warning labels regarding food allergens.   Please advise the school nurse and the Food Service Director of any and all food allergies, and we will work with you and try to make accommodations.  

Microwave Oven:  A few parents have inquired about availability of a microwave oven for student use with foods brought from home.   A microwave will be made available on a trial basis, beginning fall of 2008.   It will be assumed all containers brought from home are microwave safe.    Simple instructions will be available and Cafeteria staff will be able to assist students as well.    

If you have any questions regarding Food Service at Dowling Catholic High School, please direct them to Molly Ryan, Food Service Director  222-1028  or mryan@dowlingcatholic.org.