St. Johns Classical Academy
Food Services
Welcome to Food Services
Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand. Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at St. Johns Classical Academy meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide scholars with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of scholars.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
FAX: (202) 690-7442
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
English
If you have difficulty understanding English or have a disability, free language assistance or other aids and services are available upon request. Please call: 1-800-504-6609 or (850) 617-7400.
Spanish
Si tiene dificultades para entender la lengua inglesa o presenta una discapacidad, puede solicitar asistencia lingüística y otros tipos de ayuda y servicios sin coste alguno. Llame al siguiente número de teléfono: 1-800-504-6609 o (850) 617-7400.
Haitian Creole
Si ou gen difikilte pou konprann anglè oswa ou gen yon andikap, asistans lengwistik gratis oswa lòt èd ak sèvis disponib sou demann. Tanpri rele: 1-800-504-6609 oswa (850) 617-7400.
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications 2026-2027
Updated Information Regarding 2026-2027 School Meals
In order to receive free or reduced meals, parents will need to complete a new free and reduced application for the 2025-2026 school year. The reduced price for lunch is $.40 and the paid meal price is $4.25. Please visit the link to online application for free and reduced applications.
September 22nd is the last day to eat on last year’s free/reduced status! A new free and reduced application will need to be submitted. Access to online and paper applications can be found here.
Special Meal Accommodations
Meal Substitutions for Medical or Special Dietary Reasons
USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.
In Cases of Food Allergy
Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies, but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.
Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs
Each special dietary request and food allergy must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a parent/guardian (if food allergy) or physician (if a disability). The Medical Statement must include:
An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet;
The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet; and
The food or choice of foods to be substituted.
All signed medical statements should be returned to your school cafeteria or school nurse. Once medical statements are received a note will go on the student’s account and accommodations can be made if needed. All medical statements are valid from one year to the next unless there is a change in special diet needs
MySchoolBucks
Meal Applications
In order to receive free or reduced meals, parents will need to complete a new free and reduced application for the 2025-2026 school year. The reduced price for lunch is $.40 and the paid meal price is $4.25.
For the most rapid processing of your Free & Reduced Meal Application please apply online using the link above.
One application per household please.
Pricing
2025-2026 Lunch Price
$4.25 Scholars K-12
$4.50 Adults
In order to receive free or reduced meals, parents will need to complete a new free and reduced application for the 2025-2026 school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get free meals?
What is Classical Education? Classical education is a liberal arts education rooted in ancient history. “Liberal”, in this case, means “free”. Classical education prepares young people to live in freedom and independence, engaging them in the highest matters and the deepest questions of truth, justice, virtue, and beauty. Academically, a classical education encompasses:
A content-rich, traditional curriculum, including the use of classical books and art
Concentrated study of the core academic disciplines: history, literature, mathematics, and science
An appreciation for–and study of–the visual and performing arts
A strong emphasis on language, literacy, writing, and mastery of the English language
Reading of the great books in literature and primary source documents in history
Socratic teaching by kind-hearted teachers who are subject matter experts
If my child transfers from a school participating in the CEP Program to a non CEP School are they still free?
No. You will need to fill out a Free and Reduced Application.
I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a US citizen?
Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced-price meals.
Who can get reduced meals?
The below applies if you have received notification from the Food & Nutrition Services office:
- Children attending a school participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) are eligible for free meals.
- Children who have been direct certified by the state are eligible for free meals.
- All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or TANF are eligible for free meals.
- Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
- Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.
- Children living in households with gross income that is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free meals.
How does my scholar pay for lunch?
Scholars with “paid” eligibility are allowed to go into the negative up to $21.25. Scholars with “reduced” eligibility are allowed to go into the negative up to $2. It is free to set up an account with “MySchoolBucks,” an on-line service, which also offers a mobile app for your convenience. You can set the account to send low balance notifications, set-up automatic payments, and view transactions/payments made to the account. There is a $3.25 service fee for on-line payments. Cash/check payments can be made at the school at no charge.
What kind of restrictions can I place on my child's account?
You may contact Food Services to place restrictions on the account. We can add serving line notes such as “ala carte on Friday only”. We can also limit the amount spent each day/week/month.
What if my child has a food allergy?
If your child has special diet needs/allergies, please contact Food Services.
The cafeteria staff often tells my child to pick up a fruit or vegetable for the meal to be considered "reimbursable". Why?
In order for a meal to be considered “reimbursable” a student’s tray must contain a certain number of components-bread, fruit, vegetable, milk, meat/meat alternate. If a cashier encourages a child to pick up an extra item it means he/she is missing a component to make the meal reimbursable (if not reimbursable it may cause the meal to cost more).
Can a free and reduced application be filled out online?
Yes, applications can be completed in the convenience of your own home. This process is safe, secure and confidential. Online applications are transferred electronically to the FS office. Eligibility is determined within 1 to 2 business days. If you have not received your eligibility notification in the mail, you may call the FS office to check the status.
Do I need to fill out a free and reduced application for each child?
No. Use only one “Free and Reduced Application” for all students in your household. If you are applying for a foster child, check the box on the application to indicate this.
Why do I not qualify for free lunch when my income is less than the amount on the back of the application?
The income chart on the back of the application reflects the maximum amount of income a household can make to qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Who should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or not.
How do I show my income if I only work 9 or 10 months?
You may project your annual income. The prior year’s income may be used if it provides an accurate reflection of the household’s current annual income.
Will the information I give be checked?
Yes, you may be asked to send written proof of your income or eligibility for Food Stamps or TANF at any time during the school year.
If I do not qualify now, may I apply later?
You may apply at any time during the school year if your household goes up in size or income goes down or if you start getting Food Stamps or TANF.
If I transfer from another district, will my status carry over?
No. You will need to complete a new application.
If I transfer to SJCA from another school in Clay County will my status carry over?
Yes. Please contact Food Services.
Will I be reimbursed for charges that were made against my account before the application was approved?
No. Money will need to be provided until notification of the approved status.
Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this school year saying my child was approved for free meals?
Please read the letter you received carefully and follow the instructions. Call the Food Services Office at (904)458-8240 if you have questions.
My child's application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out a new one this year?
Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year. You must complete a new application unless you have received a letter saying your child is eligible for the new year.
We are in the military. Do we include our housing allowance in our income?
If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatized Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application. Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. If combat pay is received, in addition to basic pay, because of deployment and it was not received before deployment, combat pay is not counted as income.