Welcome to Child Nutrition!

UPDATE - USDA Waiver:
Free School Meals for All Mason Students

Beginning, September 21, 2020, all students will have access to free meals daily. The USDA has extended waivers that allow Mason City Schools to offer one free breakfast meal and one free lunch meal on each school day under the Seamless Summer Option program. USDA announced that free meals will be available through December 31, 2020, until federal funds are no longer available.

Free meals must meet the criteria as set forth for a reimbursable meal under USDA guidelines. Lunch at no cost consists of 5 components:

Grades 1-8: Entrée (grain, protein), choice of 1-3 fruits and vegetables, & milk
Grades 9-12: Entrée (grain, protein), choice of 2 fruits and 2 vegetables, & milk
Students must select a minimum of 1 fruit or vegetable, plus 2 other components to be considered a lunch meal and to receive at no charge.

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Note: Extra entrée items, milk, beverages, additional fruits/vegetables, and a la carte may still be purchased from your student’s meal account.

Families are encouraged to submit free and reduced meal applications to ensure that they continue on the free and reduced meal program when this USDA waiver ends. Approval for the free and reduced meal program is still required for Mason City Schools instructional fee waivers. Click here for a free and reduced meal application.

Families participating in online learning may also receive free breakfast and lunch meals. Families may pick up meal packs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Mason Intermediate circle from 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM. Meal packs on Tuesday include 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches (fruits, vegetables, entrees) and 4 half-pint cartons of milk. Meal packs on Thursday include 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches (fruits, vegetables, and entrees) and 6 half-pint cartons of milk. Click here for menu information. You must pre-order your meals by calling 513-229-4444 or emailing foodservice@masonohioschools.com.

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The department has taken several additional steps to assure the safety of students and staff in the cafeteria. In accordance with Ohio Department of Health regulations and district protocols, this includes:

All foods (including entrees) individually wrapped
All condiments prepackaged
All utensils individually wrapped
3 sided plexi glass shields on cashier stands
Social distancing decals in serving lines
Face masks required for all Child Nutrition Workers

The department also appreciates efforts by families to place funds on meal accounts in advance in order to minimize the handling of paper money and checks in line during COVID. Families may reference Easy Ways to Pay for payment methods.

We look forward to serving your students! Please contact Tamara Earl, SNS, Child Nutrition Supervisor with any questions.

The Nutrition Services department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students' health, well being and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices. Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.