Nutrition Services
As of January 30 the district no longer utilizes SmartSchoolK12 system for LUNCH ACCOUNTS.
Please establish a SchoolCafé account to add funds to your students lunch accounts. Directions to set up your new account can be found here:
The mission of the WBLAS Nutrition Services, an exceptional team vital to our district dedicated to the nutritional needs of our students, is to ensure nutritionally enticing meals in a safe and welcoming environment that acknowledges and values each student through a system distinguished by:
- A student driven menu
- Sustainable and locally sourced foods
- Innovative equipment and technology
- Knowledgeable staff; and
- Students with life-long healthy eating habits
Click a tab below to begin:
- Meal Costs & Payments
- Free & Reduced-Price Meals
- P-EBT Update
- Menus & Nutrition Info
- Special Diets
- Food Permits & Catering
- News and Links
- Contact Us
Meal Costs & Payments
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal waivers due to COVID-19 have expired. Meals are not allowed to be served at no-cost for all students in the 2022-2023 school year.
Reasons why you should take advantage of school meals being offered:
- Healthy students are better learners!
- Nutritious options leading to better food choices!
- Provides key nutrients improving concentration!
- Reduces food insecurities!
- Extends your food budget and saves you time!
School meals are nutritionally balanced options!
Breakfast:
- Early Childhood (where meals are provided), Grades 1-12 and Transition Education Center: $1.70
- Kindergarten: Free (thanks to a special program funded by the state of Minnesota)
- Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Free to those who qualify. Please fill out an application.
- Adults and Visitors: $2.25
Lunch:
- Early Childhood (where meals are provided), Kindergarten and 1st through 5th Grade: $2.95
- Grades 6-12 and Transition Education Center: $3.25
- Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Free to those who qualify. Please fill out an application.
- Adults and Visitors: $4.95
Milk Only:
- Included with the purchase of a meal
- $0.50 separately
White Bear Lake Area Schools has a computerized meal payment system that assigns a special 'pin' number to each student. This is like a pre-paid credit card. Parents deposit money into their student's account and students will enter their pin number to pay for all purchases.
Ala Carte snack purchases are still available at secondary schools and some elementary schools. Money for these purchases can be brought to school via cash or check or entered through SchoolCafe online. More information is listed below.
Meal Costs and Payments
- Free and Reduced-Price Meals
- Meal Account Refunds and Procedures
- Payments
- SchoolCafe
- Angel Fund and Donations
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families meeting federal household income guidelines may qualify for free or reduced priced meals. To request an application be mailed to you, please call 651.407.7515 or stop by your student's school to pick one up. You may also apply online at the White Bear Lake Area Schools Online Meal Application site.
Click here for the Online Application Form
Click here for translated applications. This page features foreign language translations of the Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals.
Meal Account Refunds and Procedures
Funds remaining in your student's account at the end of each school year will roll over to the next school year. Unclaimed funds after leaving the school district will automatically be transferred to the WBLAS Angel Fund. See below for more information.
If your student has graduated or has moved out of the District, please complete the Request for Refund form. If you would like money transferred to a sibling, please indicate so on the form. If remaining balance is less than $5.00 please call 651.407.7524. Paper copies of the form may also be found here.
Please keep your student's account in good financial standing! If you are having problems keeping your account up-to-date, contact Bridget Lehn at 651.407.7524 to make arrangements. Do not let your student account fall into the minus!
Click here to view WBLAS School Board Policy 534 - Unpaid Meal Charges.
Payments
Lunch account deposits can be made daily through the following methods:
- Online Payments: SchoolCafe
- At your students school via Cash or Check, please remember to include your students name and lunch pin on the outside of the envelope
SchoolCafe
Meal accounts can be accessed online through SchoolCafe.
With SchoolCafe parents/guardians are able to:
- prepay for school meals;
- view student account balance;
- view student transaction history;
- manage student purchase restrictions and set preferences;
- set up recurring and automatic payments;
- set up low balance alerts and notifications;
- transfer funds between students and request refunds;
- utilize as a web browser or a smartphone app
Visit the Online Payment page for more information.
You will need your student(s) ID number. This is different than their lunch pin number. Please contact the school office if you are unsure or need to verify.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Cory Peterson, Nutrition Services Administrative Assistant via phone at 651.407.7515 or email at nutritionservices@isd624.org.
Angel Fund and Donations
This is a fund used by Nutrition Services as a safety net for students in grades K-12 that do not have sufficient funds in their accounts due to circumstances beyond their control and who do not qualify for meal benefits. The fund saves children the embarrassment of not having money to pay for their meals. This is a temporary solution until other arrangements can be made to assist the child and family on a more permanent basis.
How does it work? Funds are available to provide students with nutritious lunch when the need has been identified by the principal, teacher or other designated staff member. A referral must be sent to the nutrition services office before funds may be transferred.
How can I contribute? Donations are accepted year-round from individuals or groups. Contributions should be mailed to Nutrition Services Office at 4855 Bloom Ave, Room 310, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Checks should be made payable to White Bear Nutrition Services Angel Fund. Please indicate if you would like to remain anonymous in the school board minutes. You may also make a donation directly to your child's school.
Free & Reduced-Price Meals
The 2022-2023 Application for Education Benefits is now available.
Families meeting federal household income guidelines may qualify for free or reduced priced meals. To request an application be mailed to you, please call 651-407-7515 or stop by your student's school to pick one up. You may also apply online at the White Bear Lake Area Schools Online Meal Application site by clicking the link below.
Click Here for the Online Application
Our school provides healthy meals each day. Meals will not be free for all students in the 2022-2023 school year.
- Breakfast costs $1.70
- Lunch costs $2.95 for early childhood (where meals are provided), kindergarten and 1st through 5th grade
- Lunch is $3.25 for secondary students (grades 6-12+)
Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits following the instructions. A new application must be submitted each year. At public schools, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.
State funds help to pay for reduced-price school meals, so all students who are approved for either free or reduced-price school meals will receive school meals at no charge. State funds also help to pay for breakfasts for kindergarten students, so all participating kindergarten students receive breakfasts at no charge.
The meal applications not only qualify your family for free meal benefits, but also provide additional benefits that may include discounts for: internet access, college application fees, sports/activities fees, and AP test registration fees.
Please check out this flyer for more information. Contact the Nutrition Services Department at NutritionServices@isd624.org or 651-407-7515 with any questions.
Completing the Application:
Complete the Application for Educational Benefits form for school year 2022-2023 school year if any of the following applies to your household:
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Any household member currently participates in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or
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The household includes one or more foster children (a welfare agency or court has legal responsibility for the child), or
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The total income of household members is within the guidelines shown below (gross earnings before deductions, not take-home pay). Do not include as income: foster care payments, federal education benefits, MFIP payments, or value of assistance received from SNAP, WIC, or FDPIR. Military: Do not include combat pay or assistance from the Military Privatized Housing Initiative. The income guidelines are effective from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
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Maximum Total Income
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View this video or quick card for easy to use instructions for completing the application online.
Click here for translated applications. This page features foreign language translations of the Prototype Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals.
Meal Benefits frequently asked questions.
Why is it important to turn in the free and reduced lunch application as soon as possible?
Additional benefits may be available to students who qualify such as lower or no fees for activities, some field trips, testing and more. Also, in order for your school to receive extra federal funding (which can keep classes small), our district must submit your application to the federal government. Applications sent after the fall deadline will not help schools receive extra funding. In short, your school loses money.
Español
Comida Escolar Gratis o a Precio Reducido
Las familias pueden calificar para recibir comida escolar gratis si los ingresos de su hogar están dentro del ingreso máximo para su tamaño de hogar bajo las reglas federales. Para pedir que usted reciba una aplicación por correo postal, favor de llamar al Departamento de Nutrición al 651-407-7515, o al 651-407-7625 para ayuda en español. También puede pedir una aplicación en la oficina escolar de su estudiante. Si usted prefiere, puede llenar la aplicación en línea- simplemente haga clic en el enlace abajo.
Haga clic aquí para llenar la aplicación en línea
Instrucciones fáciles para completar la aplicación en línea.
Outreach for Minnesota Health Care Program
Click the link below to see if you qualify for free or low-cost Health Care Programs for children.
P-EBT Update
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)
What is P-EBT?
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a federal temporary emergency nutrition benefit available to families with children who are approved for Educational Benefits. This benefit offers families $8.18 for every day that their student is absent due to a COVID-19 related illness during the 2022-23 school year until the COVID-19 public health emergency ends on May 11, 2023.
The P-EBT program for the 2022-23 school year:
Your child may be eligible for the 2022-23 school year P-EBT benefit:
- If your child is approved for Educational Benefits (free or reduced-price meals), they may be eligible for P-EBT benefits for days they were absent due to a COVID-19 related impact. The child must have qualified for free or reduced-price meals at the time of the absence.
- Their school closes or shifts to remote learning for at least 5 consecutive days because of COVID-19. (Note: This has not happened within WBLAS in 2022-23).
- In the 2022-23 school year, eligible children who transferred to homeschooling or online learning because of COVID-19 and who meet other eligibility requirements may also be eligible for benefits.
- If you have a homeschooled or online learning student in your household, please complete The Application for P-EBT Benefits for Homeschool and Virtual Students and submit it to nutritionservices@isd624.org.
P-EBT Summer 2023:
The summer 2023 P-EBT benefit is a one time payment of $120. Your child may be eligible if:
- The school they attend participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- The student qualifies for Educational Benefits (free and reduced-price meals) during the 2022-23 school year.
Homeschool or online learning students do not qualify for the summer 2023 P-EBT Benefit.
For more information about P-EBT visit: https://mn.gov/dhs/p-ebt/.
Benefit Issuance Timeline:
| Data submission deadline | Months included in payment | When families can expect to receive funds on their P-EBT Cards |
|
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 4 pm |
Sept 2022 -March 2023 | Late May 2023 |
| Friday, June 30, 2023 at 4 pm | Sept 2022 - May 11, 2023 + Summer 2023 | Late July 2023 |
| Monday, July 31, 2023 at 4 pm | Sept 2022 -May 11, 2023 +Summer 2023 (Catch up disbursement) | Late August 2023 |
Questions:
- Visit https://mn.gov/dhs/p-ebt/faqs/ to view P-EBT frequently asked questions.
- General P-EBT Questions: Contact the P-EBT Call Center, available Monday through Friday 8:30 am-4 pm phone: 651-431-4608 or 1-833-454-0153
- Complete the P-EBT help form to submit any questions. Interpreters are available.
- Questions about your student's free or reduced-price meal elibigility: nutritionservices@isd624.org.
Menus & Nutrition Info
Menus can be found on the Nutrislice web site along with nutritional analysis.
Menus are also available using the Nutrislice app on your smartphone.
With Nutrislice you'll be able to:
- View descriptions and photos.
- Find nutrition information and carb counts.
- Rate the foods and leave comments.
- Translate menus into a variety of languages.
- Print menus directly from the website.
Other Programs
Smart Snacks
Food sold to students during the school day that is not part of the lunch meal must also follow nutritional guidelines. For more information click here.
Special Diets
Special diet requests, such as gluten free, require a completed Special Diet Statement and discussion with the Nutrition Services Director before they are able to be served.
Special Diet Requests
Overview
White Bear Lake Nutrition Services recognizes the importance of special diets and allergy concerns. Our staff have been trained on proper sanitation techniques to avoid cross-contamination during production of foods with allergens.
Parents are encouraged to visit their student's School Nutrition Manager or the district Director of Nutrition Services to review nutrient labels. Managers can show families how food is produced and the care they give to ensure a safe place for all students. Please keep in mind that students, staff, and community members still bring foods from home. Therefore, our schools cannot be guaranteed "free" from any allergy source.
Nutrition Services makes every reasonable effort to purchase nut free products for food items served in the district. However, due to voluntary food labeling and manufacturing/packaging facilities, Nutrition Services cannot guarantee that all items are processed in a nut or allergen free environment.
Lactose Free Milk
Parents or Guardians may request lactose free milk by completing the fluid milk substitute form using the Special Diet Statement and submitting it to your student's school nurse. Lactose free milk requests do not require a doctor's signature.
Other milk substitutions that are not nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk, such as rice milk, will require additional documentation.
Meal Modifications and Substitutions
White Bear Lake Area Schools Nutrition Services will provide special dietary requests for students with food allergies and/or other dietary restrictions.
In accordance with federal USDA regulations, the Special Diet Statement must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian as well as their physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse, such as certified nurse practitioner. This must be completed before any accommodations are able to be made.
If no substitutions are required, a form is not needed, however families are encouraged to connect with the kitchen manager and school nurse.
Menus
Please visit White Bear Lake Area School District's Nutrislice menus to see the allergens in the menu items served. At the top right, you will be able to filter the menu items by allergens of concern. Simply click on the allergen(s) your child must avoid and they will appear crossed off when viewing our menus. The foods containing the allergen(s) of concern will not print if you choose to print the filtered menu.
Special Diet Menus
Gluten, Dairy and Egg Free Menu*
*Menus are subject to change
Special Diet FAQs
What is a special diet statement for a participant with a disability that affects the diet?
The special diet statement is a form which provides information about the child, the disability for which the diet must be modified, defines which foods are to be omitted and substituted and is signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse (such as a nurse practitioner).
A food allergy that results in a life threatening (anaphylactic reaction) would be an example of a special dietary need with a disability.
What is a special diet statement for a participant without a disability that affects the diet?
Substitutions for students without a disability will be made on a case-by case basis when supported by the Special Diet Statement.
Generally, a participant with a food allergy OR a food intolerance that does not result in a life threatening (anaphylactic) reaction, is not considered to be a person with a disability.
In most cases, the special dietary needs of a person who does not have a disability may be managed within the normal program meal service by avoiding certain food and choosing others. The special diet statement is needed only if a food substitution is requested.
Do I need to have a form completed every year?
The parent/guardian is responsible for providing a new special diet statement if there are any updates or changes to the current dietary form on file. It is not necessary to provide a new special diet statement every school year if there are no dietary changes.
Where should I submit my Special Diet information?
Forms should be completed and returned to your school nurse. The nurse will forward to the Nutrition Services Director and School Kitchen Manager.
Food Permits & Catering
Food Permit FAQs
Catering
All catering orders should be placed at least two weeks in advance to guarantee delivery.
Click here for the isd624 catering guide.
Who needs to complete a food permit form?
- Persons or groups serving food to the public
- An event where attendees are able to:
- Purchase Food
- Give a donation for food
- Pay admission - which would include food
- If you would like to use the school kitchen or serving equipment for any reason
- If you are unsure - please complete the form!
Examples include:
- Bake Sales, Carnivals, Community Events, Concessions, Fundraisers, and Tournaments
A food permit form is not needed for private and invite-only events including potlucks, staff meetings, team meetings, and the like - unless money is exchanged such as a $5.00 suggested donation for a working lunch.
Are there Fees?
Timeline
Complete the WBL Food Permit form as soon as you know about your event but at least one (1) week prior. If you need to submit to Ramsey or Washington County, they require the application to be received at least two (2) business days before the event.
You will be contacted by Nutrition Services with additional information.
Resources
News and Links
Meal Payment System Change Complete
The change to the use of SchoolCafe for LUNCH ACCOUNTS results in the following benefits:
- Ability to set up recurring and automatic payments
- Payments will be in realtime and accessible to students immediately
- Low balance alerts and notifications
- Ability to view student transaction history
- Manage student purchase restrictions and set preferences
- Available as a web browser or a smartphone app
See the complete message sent to families here.
Fast Facts:
- School Lunch provides the nutrition children need.
- Proper nutrition improves a child's behavior, school performance, and overall cognitive development.
- Properly nourished children more actively participate in the education experience.
- A healthy eating environment teaches children good nutrition and the elements of a proper diet, which can have positive effects on children's eating habits and physical well-being throughout life.
News and Links
Discover School Breakfast!
Follow this link for more information on school breakfast.
Local Food Shelf
If you or someone you know are in need of food assistance please contact one of our local food shelves for more information.
Contact Us
General Questions
Email: nutritionservices@isd624.org
- Bridget Lehn, MBA, RD, Director of Nutrition Services
- 651-407-7524 or email bridget.lehn@isd624.org
- Rachel Rancour, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services
- 651-407-7634 or email rachel.rancour@isd624.org
- Cory Peterson, Nutrition Services Administrative Assistant
- 651-407-7515 or email cory.peterson@isd624.org
Visit Us:
Civil Rights Statement: