What is the process for students to eat school meals?
It’s easy and convenient to dine at school. No registration is required for students to eat school meals. Students can simply go through the serving line during designated breakfast and lunch times and select their meal components. Café staff may ask students to enter their student ID number at the register. Students with reduced-price or paid meal status may pay with cash or use funds available in their account. No funds are needed for students with a free meal status, unless they would like to purchase à la carte items.
Cafeteria staff are available to assist any new or returning students with the dining process. Watch our Introduction to School Lunch video in or to learn more.
What do school meals cost?
Breakfast:
- Elementary School - Paid: $1.90
- Middle & High School - Paid: $2.15
- All Levels - Reduced-Price: FREE
- Adult/Guest: $3.50
Lunch:
- Elementary School - Paid: $3.40
- Middle & High School - Paid: $3.65
- All Levels - Reduced-Price: FREE
- Adult/Guest: $5.25
Through funding from the Texas Legislature, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2026-27 school year.
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal program that allows eligible schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without any families providing any applications or documentation. View AISD schools providing free breakfast and lunch for all students through the CEP here.
What is included with school breakfast and lunch?
Meal components include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and milk.
Breakfast: At minimum, a breakfast meal consists of at least three components, one must be a fruit or 100% fruit juice. At maximum, students can select an entrée, plus two servings of fruit, and a milk.
Lunch: At minimum, a lunch meal consists of at least three different components, one must be fruit or vegetables. At maximum, students can select an entrée, two half-cup servings of fruit, two half-cup servings of vegetables, and a milk.
Entrées generally include one protein and one grain, or often two grain servings at breakfast.
My school serves Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), how does this process work?
AISD is proud to offer free Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) at many eligible schools throughout the district. BIC is a room service-style program that helps ensure all students have the opportunity to start their day with a healthy meal. View participating schools here.
Food Service staff prepares, packs, and delivers breakfast meal components to classrooms each morning. Teachers bring in the insulated bags and coolers, allowing students to serve themselves and enjoy a free meal with their classmates after the start of the school day.
When we move breakfast from the cafeteria to the classroom we serve more students each morning, while seeing a decrease in behavioral problems and better attendance. Research also finds that students who eat school breakfast show improvements in concentration and overall academic performance. BIC creates real-life learning experiences, helps in community building between students and teachers, and removes the stigma often associated with school breakfast.
How can I find my student’s lunch schedule?
Please contact your school as lunch times, schedules, and visitor policies are determined by campus administration.
What happens if a student does not have money in their account to get a meal?
At AISD, no student is ever denied a meal, regardless of their account balance or ability to pay. Students who are unable to pay or have a negative balance are not identified in any way and may receive the meal of their choice.
When a student exhausts their meal account, they may charge meals at breakfast and lunch. Once the student reaches their charge limit and the account is not replenished, the student shall receive a courtesy meal. There is no limit to the number of courtesy meals a student may receive.
Food Service works with campuses to help encourage families who may be eligible to apply for free or reduced-price meals to help prevent future charges and courtesy meals.
How can teachers, staff, and families eat school meals?
We’re happy to welcome teachers and staff to enjoy school meals. AISD staff can pay with cash, check, or via SchoolCafe (processing fee applies). Instructions to set up an employee account are available .
Visitation policies vary by campus. If your school allows families to join their child at lunch, adult/visitor meals may be purchased either by cash or using funds on their student’s meal account.
Can teachers or staff receive free or discounted meals?
No. AISD Food Service is a federally funded program that receives reimbursement for student meals only. Because we must follow federal program guidelines, adult meals are not eligible for free or discounted pricing and must follow standard portion sizes.
How are school meal programs funded?
School meal programs are funded separately from ϳԹ ISD’s general operating fund through federal reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
AISD receives a reimbursement for each meal served to students. The reimbursement amount varies based on a student’s meal eligibility status (free, reduced-price, or paid). These federal funds may only be used to operate the school meal programs.
For example, AISD currently receives about $4.70 for each lunch served to a student eligible for free meals. The reimbursement is lower for lunches served to students with reduced-price or paid meal status.
These funds must cover all costs associated with providing school meals, including food, kitchen supplies, employee wages, employee benefits, equipment and maintenance, staff training, and other program operating expenses.
AISD’s general fund is the district’s primary operating fund and is used for expenses such as teachers, facilities, transportation, and other district operations. It is funded through local, state, and federal sources, with the majority of revenue coming from property taxes and state aid.
In short, school meal programs are designed to be financially self-supporting through USDA reimbursements and meal revenue, rather than being funded by the district’s general operating budget.
How can community members donate to student meal accounts?
Community members can help support students by donating funds to student meal accounts in several ways:
Online:
Donations can be made online through the campaign, . If you would like your donation to support a specific school, please include the school name in the donation comments, and funds will be allocated there first.
Directly to a campus:
Donations may be delivered during the school day to the cafeteria at the campus of your choice by cash, check, or money order. Because student account balances change daily, please contact Food Service at schoolcafe@austinisd.org or 512-414-0251 if you would like information about current needs at a specific campus.
By mail or in person at the Food Service office:
Checks or money orders may be mailed to: AISD Food Service, 3701 Woodbury Drive, ϳԹ, TX 78704
Donations may also be delivered in person during business hours, 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday. If you would like your donation applied to a specific campus, please include a note with your request. Otherwise, funds will be used to support student meal accounts with the longest outstanding balances.
Does ϳԹ ISD offer catering services?
ϳԹ ISD does not currently offer catering services. However, campuses and district departments or organizations may purchase select items from the Food Service Department, including fresh fruit, milk, snacks, and beverages, for meetings and events. Orders are delivered directly to the purchasing school for added convenience. All snacks and beverages available for purchase meet nutrition standards, meaning they contain less sugar, fat, sodium, and calories than many comparable retail products. These are the same healthy snack and beverage options served in AISD cafeterias, making them familiar choices for both students and staff.
View the menu and place orders through the .
Is ϳԹ ISD Food Service hiring?
We're always accepting applications for Part Time Food Service Substitutes and Managers in Training. Please apply on the AISD Career's page and select the vacancy desired.
What is ǴDZ䲹é?
ǴDZ䲹é is a website () and mobile app where families can manage their student's school meal account. You can add funds, view meal purchases and account balances, receive low-balance alerts, submit meal benefit applications and access menus for your student’s school.
How do I create a ǴDZ䲹é account?
Start by visiting or downloading the ǴDZ䲹é mobile app.
Use the helpful guide in or to view steps to create an account, add students to your account, make payments, set up automatic payments, and receive low balance alerts.
How can I find my child’s student ID number?
You can find your child’s student ID number in the Parent Portal or by contacting your child’s school front office. If you need additional assistance, please call the AISD Food Service office at 512-414-0251.
How do families add money to a student’s meal account?
Students dining with a reduced-price or paid status may purchase meals using cash or funds on their ǴDZ䲹é account. No funds are needed for students with a free meal status, unless they would like to purchase à la carte items.
- Families may add money online (credit, debit, or eCheck) by creating an account at .
- Please note that ǴDZ䲹é charges a convenience fee to process online payments.
- We accept cash, money orders, or cashier's checks in the cafeteria daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m..
Are there fees for adding money to my child’s meal account?
When families add funds to a student meal account through ǴDZ䲹é using a credit or debit card, a convenience fee is applied. This fee supports the secure online payment services and features available through ǴDZ䲹é.
Families may also use eCheck payments by selecting “Add a Bank Account” under Payment Sources in their ǴDZ䲹é account. eCheck deposits are available for amounts up to $500 and include a flat $2.95 fee.
The ǴDZ䲹é fee is a convenience fee, not a surcharge. It helps support services that make managing student meal accounts easier. ǴDZ䲹é also covers costs associated with payment processing, fraud prevention, and securely transferring funds to the school district.
Families who prefer not to pay online may avoid convenience fees by making payments directly at the school cafeteria with cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks.
How can I set à la carte restrictions on my student’s account?
Families may set purchase restrictions through their ǴDZ䲹é account.
My student receives free school meals, do I still need to add money to their account?
No funds are needed for students with a free meal status, unless they would like to purchase à la carte items.
What if my student’s meal account goes negative?
At AISD, no student is ever denied a meal, regardless of their account balance or ability to pay. Students who are unable to pay or have a negative balance are not identified in any way and may receive the meal of their choice.
When a student exhausts their meal account, they may charge meals at breakfast and lunch. Once the student reaches their charge limit and the account is not replenished, the student shall receive a courtesy meal. There is no limit to the number of courtesy meals a student may receive.
What is the district’s meal charging policy?
If students exhaust their meal accounts they may charge meals at any meal service as follows:
- Students in elementary and middle school may charge up to three meals.
- Students in high school may charge up to two meals.
- Students may not charge à la carte items.
Charges shall be paid in full before a menued meal is offered. Once the charge limit is reached, if the account is not replenished, the student shall receive a courtesy meal at the beginning of the lunch line. There is no limit to the number of courtesy meals a student may receive. Cafeteria staff will work with campus staff to identify students’ eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
The district shall notify the household of a student with a low or negative meal balance and request payment by letter, email, or text messages sent through a district approved platform.
Donated funds received throughout the year, when available, will be used to offset negative account balances. At year end, activity or other local funds are used to offset negative account balances.
What happens to the money on my student’s account at the end of the school year?
Funds automatically carry over between school years and campuses. No action is needed unless the student graduates or transfers out of the district.
Can families move funds from one child’s meal account to another?
Yes. Families may request a transfer of funds between student meal accounts through their ǴDZ䲹é account or by emailing schoolcafe@austinisd.org or calling the Food Service office at 512-414-0251.
When requesting a transfer, please provide:
- The full name and student ID number of the student the funds are being transferred from.
- The full name and student ID number of the student receiving the funds.
- The amount you would like to transfer.
How can I request a refund for a student who is graduating or transferring outside of the district?
Families can request a refund in any of the following ways:
Online: Use the “Request Unused Funds” option in your ǴDZ䲹é account (under your student’s Details). If you receive an error, contact us via “Contact Us” in Support or email schoolcafe@austinisd.org. Requests must include the student's full name, your legal name, and mailing address for the refund.
Phone: Call 512-414-0251.
In Person: Visit your campus cafe manager (cash refunds may be limited by availability).
Refunds are mailed and typically arrive within 4–6 weeks.
Reminders: Please turn off automatic payments in your ǴDZ䲹é account prior to requesting a refund and ensure that you have enough funds available for your student to dine through the end of their time at AISD or the end of the school year.
How do I apply for free or reduced-price meals?
- Online: Preferred method for faster processing.
- Create an account and apply at , or
- Download and complete an or application; email to foodservicebusinesssupport@austinisd.org.
- Paper Applications:
- Available from school front offices beginning in August.
How do I request a letter showing my child’s meal eligibility status?
Students who are directly certified (through state programs such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid) or who submitted a meal benefits application and qualified for free or reduced-price meals receive a letter confirming their eligibility status. The letter is sent to the email address on file.
If you need a copy of your child’s eligibility letter, the request must be made by the student’s guardian. Please contact the ϳԹ ISD Food Service office at 512-414-0251 for assistance.
Students attending CEP schools receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of household income, so AISD Food Service does not have individual meal eligibility information or provide eligibility letters for these students. Families needing documentation may contact their school office to request a letter confirming that their child attends a CEP school.
If my child qualifies for free meals (including all students at CEP schools), can they receive only milk or a single meal component at no cost?
No. The free meal benefit applies only when a student selects a complete reimbursable meal that meets the federal meal requirements. This applies to students who qualify for free meals and students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools.
If a student would like to purchase only milk or an individual meal component without a complete meal, the item will be charged at the à la carte price.
Does ϳԹ ISD offer free after-school or summer meals?
Yes. AISD provides free after-school and summer meals at eligible campuses. Learn more here.
How do I view menus for my child’s school?
Families may vat , or download the ǴDZ䲹é mobile app on or devices.
Elementary schools also receive monthly printed menus that show the daily breakfast and lunch options. These menus are also posted on ϳԹ ISD Food Service’s , , and accounts.
Who plans ϳԹ ISD menus?
AISD menus are developed by the district’s registered dietitian and executive chef. Together, they create meals that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition guidelines for the federally funded and while incorporating student preferences, current food trends, and operational considerations.
Each school year, the Food Service team conducts taste testing events with students to get feedback on new or updated versions of menu items.
Our family eats healthy at home. How can I be sure school meals are nutritious?
ϳԹ ISD Food Service works to provide students with healthy, tasty meals that support students as they learn, move, and grow. All school meals are planned by nutrition and culinary professionals and must meet strict federal guidelines for calories, nutrients, portion sizes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, sodium, sugar, and other nutrition standards.
Meals at ϳԹ ISD are prepared daily by Food Service staff in each school kitchen. We strive to offer a balance of healthy versions of student favorites mixed with scratch-prepared dishes and global flavors. Our serving lines feature a variety of self-serve fruits and vegetables each day.
Beyond meeting federal requirements, AISD continues to prioritize high quality ingredients, scratch cooking, and local foods to create meals that are both nutritious and appealing to students. Families can view nutrition information, allergens, and ingredients for each menu item through .
Does AISD use local foods?
Yes. AISD is committed to sourcing locally grown and produced foods when possible. We regularly highlight our local vendors on our , , and accounts.
Does ϳԹ ISD offer vegetarian or vegan meal options?
Yes, we offer vegetarian options daily, and many of these options are also vegan. Menu items are identified in ǴDZ䲹é and on daily menu signs to help students make choices on the serving line.
Families requesting vegan meal accommodations may submit a written request to the café manager at their child’s school in advance. This allows Food Service staff time to review the request and prepare appropriate meal options.
Do students have to take milk with their meal?
K-12 students are not required to take milk. Pre-K students are required to take milk as part of their set-plate meal.
Is ϳԹ ISD making any menu changes in response to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025?
Yes. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, AISD plans to change its milk options in response to the flexibilities provided under the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. In addition to offering 1% unflavored milk, AISD will also add 2% unflavored milk. Chocolate milk will also change from nonfat to 1% milk.
Are menus different across the district?
AISD menus are designed by school level – elementary, middle, and high school. Schools within each level receive the same menu options.
Menus are subject to change and may differ at campuses required to transport meals due to modernization projects.
What à la carte snacks and drinks does ϳԹ ISD offer?
Healthy à la carte snacks are available for purchase at all schools. The single serving snacks we offer are formulated for K-12 students following the guidelines set by the Department of Agriculture.
Students may purchase snacks using cash or funds on their account. Students may not charge any à la carte items.
Caregivers may set à la carte snack restrictions on their account or by contacting their café manager.
The sale of à la carte items helps support our school meal programs by supplementing the minimal federal reimbursements we receive for student meals. These funds help us provide competitive wages and benefits for our employees and allow us to continue our commitment to purchasing local and higher quality foods for our menus.
How does AISD accommodate students with food allergies or special dietary needs?
AISD Food Service works with families to support students who have food allergies, medical conditions, disabilities, religious beliefs, or other dietary needs that require meal modifications.
Menu accommodations may be provided for students who:
- Have a disability requiring an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan and a related special dietary need.
- Have a life-threatening food allergy or medical condition requiring immediate medical attention, such as treatment for anaphylaxis.
- Need alternative menu options due to a documented food allergy or medical condition.
- Require dietary modifications due to religious beliefs or other dietary needs, such as avoiding pork or requesting vegetarian or vegan options.
Students who do not meet the federal definition of a disability or life-threatening medical condition may still request reasonable dietary accommodations. A physician must complete a Request for Dietary Accommodation form, and Food Service will review the request to determine appropriate accommodations.
How to Request a Dietary Accommodation
- Obtain a Request for Dietary Accommodation form from the school nurse or using the links below:
- Have the form completed and signed by a medical doctor licensed to practice in Texas.
- Return the completed form to your child’s school café manager.
Food Service will review the request and notify the caregiver if the requested accommodation meets program requirements and what accommodations can be provided.
For additional information, contact AISD Dietitian Rachel Dunn at Rachel.Dunn@austinisd.org or 512-414-0250.
Are peanuts or tree nuts served in AISD meals?
No, AISD does not serve any items containing peanuts or tree nuts.
What are the rules for food brought to campus for celebrations, rewards, or fundraisers?
AISD has guidelines for food and beverages provided to students during the school day for celebrations, rewards, and fundraisers. These guidelines help ensure that foods and beverages offered on campus align with federal nutrition standards and support a healthy school environment.
For detailed information about what foods and beverages are allowed, please review the and .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires school districts participating in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs to develop and implement a local school wellness policy. This policy includes guidelines for foods and beverages provided or sold to students during the school day to ensure alignment with federal school meal and standards.
The AISD Wellness Policy is developed through the ϳԹ ISD School Healthy Advisory Council. The current policy, enacted in 2017, does not include exception days for these guidelines.
The AISD Food Service Department is audited by the Department of Agriculture to ensure campuses follow all wellness policy requirements.
How do I apply for a temporary food permit for a campus event?
Please follow the ϳԹ ISD facility use guidelines. ϳԹ ISD events may use this form to apply for a Temporary Food Event Permit with the City of ϳԹ.
Where does ϳԹ ISD source their food from?
While many districts source from one primary distributor, AISD purchases from many vendors. Following federal, state, and district guidelines, AISD Food Service works with a variety of vendors to source the food, ingredients, and supplies needed to serve meals across the district. A dedicated Food Service procurement team and Central Warehouse help support meaningful purchasing, as well as efficient storage and distribution of products to schools.
Through this purchasing process, AISD partners with more than 70 vendors, including many local producers. The department also works directly with local vendors to bring fresh products to students, including bread, dairy products, and produce.
By partnering with a diverse group of suppliers, AISD is able to provide healthy, high quality meals while supporting a variety of businesses and expanding opportunities for sustainable food purchasing.
I am a vendor interested in doing business with AISD Food Service, what is the process?
Access our to learn more about our procurement process.