Nutrition Services
- Overview & Contact Information
- Menus
- 2024-25 School Meals General Information
- Application for Educational Benefits
- Special Diets and Dietary Accommodations
- Peanut & Nut Aware - What Does This Mean?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Health and Wellness
- Non-Discrimination Statement
- Unpaid Meal Policy
Overview & Contact Information
Exciting News! Introducing Our New Nutrition Services Program!
We are thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to our school district’s commitment to providing nutritious meals to our students. Effective immediately, we are transitioning from an outsourced nutrition services program to a self-operated model managed entirely by our dedicated team within the district.
This transition represents a pivotal moment for us, as it allows us to directly oversee and improve the quality, variety, and nutritional value of the meals we serve our students each day.
We understand the importance of providing wholesome meals that contribute to the overall well-being and academic success of our students. This change reflects our ongoing dedication to serving our community with excellence and care.
We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you and are confident that our revamped Nutrition Services Program will exceed expectations and continue to positively impact the lives of our students.
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this journey together.
Infinite Campus Portal:
How to Make a Nutrition Services Account Payment
How to View What has Been Purchased
Contact Information
Laura Wacker-Hansen, MBA, RDN, LD
Director of Nutrition Services
Phone: (763) 272-3047
Kirsten Cowles
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (763) 272-3048
View this profile on InstagramMonticello Public Schools Nutrition Services (@monticellonutritionservices) • Instagram photos and videos
Menus
We are using a new online menu system this year called MealViewer. Through MealViewer, you will be able to view breakfast and lunch menus, nutritional information, and more. Click the link below to go to the MealViewer site:
MealViewer is also available as an app! Use the links below to download the app onto your smartphone or tablet:
2024-25 School Meals General Information
What is included in the MN Free Meals Program?
School breakfast and lunch meals are fully funded for all students by the state of Minnesota. Providing free, healthy school meals to everyone is an incredible opportunity for our community. Free meals will consist of one breakfast and one lunch per school day. Meals must include a minimum of 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables and a minimum of 3 meal components to be considered a meal.
A la Carte:
Monticello High School and Middle School have an a la carte snack bar available during lunch for students to purchase additional items. A la carte can only be purchased with cash or with a positive balance on a student's meal account. Funds can be added to the student's meal account through the Parent/Guardian portal.
What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include:
• carton of milk
• snack items
• second entrée
• a second breakfast or a second lunch
• meals that do not meet the minimum requirements
• meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults
Application for Educational Benefits
Application For Educational Benefits Package
By completing the Application for Educational Benefits, your student(s) may qualify for additional discounts and support. This application is the key to accessing extra benefits, including:
- Reduced fees for school photography packages
- Potential food support in the summer (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer)
- Reduced district activity fees
- Reduced internet fees
- Reduced fees to local zoos and museums
- Discounted cell phone rates through mobile phone providers
Who should complete this application?
- Children in households participating in:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Foster, homeless, migrant and runaway children can qualify without reporting household income
- Households whose income is within the maximum income shown for their household size on the instructions of the application
-
If you received notification that your household qualified for the 2024-25 school year, you do not need to fill out an application.
Download the Application for Educational Benefits (English)
Download the Application for Educational Benefits (Spanish)
You can also apply for Educational Benefits online through the Parent Portal. Click the link below for instructions for the online application.
Instructions for Completing the Online Application for Educational Benefits
CLICK HERE for more detailed instruction on the online application.
Additional Information about the Application for Educational Benefits can be found in the links below:
- 2024-25 School Nutrition Back to School Bulletin
- 2024-25 School Nutrition Back to School Bulletin (Spanish)
- 2024-25 Pre-Application Letter w/ Common Questions (English)
- 2024-25 Pre-Application Letter w/Common Questions - (Spanish)
- 2024-25 Minnesota Health Care Programs Flyer - (English)
- 2024-25 Minnesota Health Care Programs Flyer - (Spanish)
- Breakfast Program information
- Breakfast Program information (Spanish)
Special Diets and Dietary Accommodations
Allergies and Special Dietary Needs
Families who have students with special dietary needs should contact Laura Wacker-Hansen, Director of Nutrition Services, at 763-272-3047. Accommodations will be made whenever possible. Additionally, Monticello Nutrition Services makes reasonable substitutions to meals on a case-by-case basis for students who are considered to have a disability which restricts their diet (this includes students with documented food allergies).
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), most physical and mental impairments will constitute a disability. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 made important changes to the term disability to include any person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including major bodily functions. Major bodily functions include but are not limited to: functions of the immune system, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive systems.
To request a special diet for your student, the Special Diet Statement form must be completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant or certified nurse practitioner and submit to Nutrition Services at the 5225 School Blvd. Monticello, MN 55362 or fax the form to 763-272-2009.
If you have questions about the form, Please contact Laura Wacker-Hansen, Director of Nutrition Services- 763-272-3047.
Lactose Intolerance
Monticello Nutrition Services will provide lactose reduced milk to a child with lactose intolerance if requested by a parent/guardian in writing. Please complete Request for Lactose Reduced Milk form found below and submit to Nutrition Services at the 5225 School Blvd. Monticello, MN 55362 or fax the form to 763-272-2009.
If you have questions about the form, Please contact Laura Wacker-Hansen, Director of Nutrition Services- 763-272-3047.
Lactose Reduced Milk Request Form
Peanut & Nut Aware - What Does This Mean?
Monticello Public School Nutrition Services is a Peanut & Nut Aware Program.
This means that we do not include peanuts, nuts, or products containing these ingredients in any of our recipes for our hot entree items, fruit & vegetable offerings, self serve area, or condiments.
However, we do offer pre-packaged, fully sealed NSLP approved whole grain Uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a cold entree alternative at all of our buildings. These sandwiches remain fully sealed until the student who has selected the sandwich as a part of their meal is seated at their lunch table.
There is no preparation of nuts or peanut products or any open containers of these products in our school kitchens.
Why Make This Change?
Peer reviewed studies examining the presence of peanuts in schools have noted no significant difference in the rates of accidental peanut exposures that occurred at schools that prohibited peanut versus those that allowed it. It has also been shown that promotion of allergen aware practices is a better way of preventing accidental exposure at schools, as these practices are sometimes not emphasized by the school community when a false sense of security is present due to a "nut free" designation in a school building. The district will work to promote allergen safe practices in our buildings that help prevent cross contamination of all allergens, including proper handwashing, discouraging food sharing, and developing building specific practices regarding lunch room allergen aware seating.
Each school building has their own policy for how students with allergens are seated in the lunch room. Please reach out to your individual school for questions regarding allergen management in the classroom and cafeteria.
We understand that this change in our menus may cause some concern or anxiety for our district families who have students with peanut allergies. We are committed to working with each and every family to create a safe learning environment for their student. If you have questions or concerns about our Peanut & Nut Aware program, please feel free to reach out to Laura Wacker-Hansen, RDN, LD - 763-272-3047, Laura.Wacker-Hansen@monticello.k12.mn.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2023 School Meals Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a meal cost?
Breakfast
Student Reimbursable Breakfast = Free
Extra Breakfast Entree = $1.50
Student Second Full Breakfast = $2.65
Adult Breakfast = $2.65
Lunch
Student Reimbursable Lunch = Free
Extra Lunch Entree = $2.75
Student Second Full Lunch = $5.00
Adult Lunch = $5.00
Milk = $0.65
Do I need to fill out a new Application for Education Benefits each year?
YES! Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important. Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced activity or athletic fees. Additionally, your application may help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs. There are also many opportunities within the community and neighboring cities to take advantage of free or reduced entrance fees or tickets with an approved application.
There are two ways to complete the application:
- Online through Infinite Campus: Your application will be processed faster and more efficiently using the online application. Log into your Infinite Campus parent portal, click on Applications and Forms, and follow the link to the application.
- Submit a paper application: Print out and complete the form and return it to:
Monticello Schools District
Attn: Kirsten Coweles
5225 School Blvd
Monticello, MN 55362
2024-25 Application for Educational Benefits - English
2024-2025 Application for Educational Benefits - Spanish
Who do I contact if I have any questions about my application?
Please contact Kirsten Cowles at kirsten.cowles@monticello.k12.mn.us or (763) 272-3048
What meals will be offered at school?
All Monticello school locations including Nature Based and District 6090 COOP will be offering students breakfast and lunch options.
My student attends a Nature Based Location or District 6090 COOP, what menu do they follow?
All Nature Based Locations follow Pinewood Elementary menus. PreK and K will have a hot lunch everyday due to federal regulations. 1st - 5th grade will be able to choose between hot and cold options. District 6090 COOP will follow Monticello Middle Schools Main Line Menu.
My student brings lunch from home. Can they purchase milk?
Yes, all students can purchase a milk a la carte for $0.65. Milk cannot be given free of charge without a meal due to state and federal regulations.
How do I add funds to my student’s account?
Funds can be added to your student account on your parent/guardian portal.
My student has a special diet due to medical needs. Will special diet menu items be available to meet my students' needs?
Please see the "Special Diets and Dietary Accommodations" tab for more information.
Who do I contact with any questions or concerns?
Please contact Laura Wacker-Hansen, Director of Nutrition Services at 763-272-3047
Health and Wellness
Wellness Policy
The Wellness Policy #533 sets forth methods that promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and assure that school meals and other food and beverages sold and otherwise made available on the school campus during the school day are consistent with applicable minimum local, state, and federal standards.
Wellness Committee
The School District encourages the involvement of parents, students, school district employees, and community stakeholders on the Wellness Committee. If you would like to join the Wellness Committee, please contact Laura Wacker-Hansen at (763) 272-3047.
Future Meeting Dates & Agendas - Board Room, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
October 2, 2024
January 8, 2025
April 2, 2025
Wellness Sources
Smartsnack Calculator
Non-Discrimination Statement
Standard/Full Civil Rights Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must obtain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442;
email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Unpaid Meal Policy
Students have use of a meal account. When the balance reaches zero, a student may charge no more than $20.00 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, a student shall not be allowed to charge second meals or a la carte items until the negative account balance is paid. Families may add money to a student’s account through the School District’s website or send payment with the student to pay at the school office.
When a student’s account falls below zero, an automated phone call, text and/or email will be made to the parent/guardian informing them of the low balance and that money will need to be put into the account. The food service meal system will notify the families three times during the week on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Food service cashiers will verbally notify paid status students that “Your balance is low, and a payment is needed soon” when a student reaches a balance of less than $0.00. This process will continue until the student’s balance becomes greater than $0.00.
The School Meals Policy #534 outlines the unpaid meal policy and low balance notifications.