Cafeteria

TO START:

1. Visit www.schoolcafe.com

2. Under "Need to Create an Account or Contact Us?"

3. Select your state: PA

4. Enter the name of your school district: Franklin Area School District. From there follow the instructions below.

REGISTRATION:

1. Select - Create a New Account

2. Select "I'm a Parent" and then select Next

3. Enter your name and contact information, and then select Next

4. Create a username and password you will easily remember, and then confirm the password

5. Set up a security question and answer (in case you do forget your login credentials) and then select Next

6. Read and accept the Terms & Conditions, and then select Create My Account

ADD STUDENT(S):

1. At the top your Dashboard, select Add a Student

2. Enter the student's information as requested

3. Select Search and Verify Student

4. Verify the student found is accurate and select Add the Student

MAKE A PAYMENT:

1. At the top your dashboard, select Make a Payment

2. Enter payment dollar amounts for each student as desired and select Checkout

3. (Optional) If your district allows for purchasing of other types of school items (yearbooks, fees, etc.), you will see a "Shop Campus Store" button, where you can enter payment amounts for those items as well. If the district does not accept those kinds of payments through SchoolCafe, this button will not be visible.

4. On the Checkout screen, confirm the total and select an existing payment method, or choose Add a New Card to add a new card.

When adding a new card, you can enter your card's details and either save the card (even making it your default payment card) or simply use it for a one-time payment.

5. When you have confirmed all details, select Submit to complete the payment. Funds are typically available at the chid(ren)'s school(s) within 20 minutes.

SET UP AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS:

1. From your Dashboard, locate an individual student on your account and select the blue text next to 'Automatic Payment' (the text will say either 'Not Set' or 'Set For...')

2. In the first field, enter a Payment Amount. This amount will be paid automatically.

3. In the next field, enter a balance threshold. This tells SchooCafe how low the student's balance must be before the payment will be made.

4. Select a payment source of select Add a Card to add a new card.

5. In the last field, confirm the date that the Automatic Payment will expire. (Note: this date should be before your payment source expires, if possible.)

6. Select Save

SET UP LOW BALANCE ALERTS

1. From your Dashboard, locate an individual student and select the blue text next to 'Low Balance Alert' (the text will say either 'Not Set' or 'Set for...').

2. In the first field, enter a balance threshold. This tells SchoolCafe how low the student's balance must be before a low balance alert is sent to you.

3. In the next field, enter how often you would like to receive a reminder that the student's balance is below the threshold. This is helpful in case you miss an email or alert.

4. Select Save. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s SchoolCafe account, please contact Bobbi Ritts Hamilton at hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us or via phone at 814-432-2121 Ext 2120.

Through the Community Eligibility Provision, Franklin Area School District will provide free meals to all students for the 2025-2026 school year.

Breakfast

• Breakfast Paid: $0.00

• Breakfast Reduced: $0.00

• Adult Breakfast: $2.95

Lunch

• Elementary Lunch: $0.00

• Secondary Lunch: $0.00

• Reduced Lunch: $0.00

• Adult Lunch: $4.85

Milk is only included with a full reimbursable meal. For students that pack their lunch, milk may be purchased for $0.60 or additional items can be selected, so that it qualifies as a no-charge meal.

• Milk: $.60

Extra items such as chips, snacks, ice cream, beverages, and a second meal will be an additional charge. If your student would like to purchase a second breakfast or lunch, it will cost $1.35 for a breakfast at the elementary and secondary schools, $2.40 for an elementary lunch, and $2.50 for a secondary lunch. Charging for additional items is not permitted. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's meal account, please contact Bobbi Ritts Hamilton at hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us or 814-432-2121 Extension 2120.

Adult Prices

For Non-Pricing SNP Sponsors, those who do not charge students for meals, for example, sponsors participating in Community Eligibility Provision, the adult meals prices for breakfast and lunch must be set at the established rates by the PA Department of Education Division of Food and Nutrition (PDE, DFN).  For the 2025-2026 school year, adult breakfast will cost $2.95 per meal and adult lunch will cost $4.85 per meal.  Rates may change annually and can be found on the PA Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition (PDE, DFN) site.  

     Franklin Area School District participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The federal CEP program is a reimbursement program for eligible schools in high-poverty areas.  All enrolled students of FASD are eligible to receive a nutritional breakfast and lunch each school day at no charge to your household. No further action is required of you. Families do not need to turn in free and reduced-price meal applications.  

     The CEP “free meal” program is separate from other federal programs. If you are applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you can apply at Commonwealth’s website at: https://www.compass.state.pa.us

Families may use any of the following methods to locate sites that serve free meals to children during the summer:

•Call 211

•Call 1.866.3Hungry or 1.877.8Hambre

•Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877877 during the summer months

•Text “SUMMER MEALS” or “VERANO” to 97779.

•Use the website:  www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks

•Use the site locator for smartphones - Rangeapp.org    

Schools & Families may use any of the following methods to locate sites that serve free meals to children during the summer:

•  Call 1-866-3Hungry (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8Hambre (1-877-842-6273)

•  Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 914-342-7744.

•  Use the website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

• Learn more about USDA's SUN Programs: Summer Nutrition for Kids HERE 

For more information: 2025 Venango County Summer Meal Program

SUN Bucks

Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program, is a new grocery benefits program that provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food while school is out. Benefits can be used at local participating retailers to purchase groceries.

Many children will get these benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. The benefits will be added to an existing SNAP/TANF EBT card or a newly issued Summer EBT card.  

Benefits for the summer of 2025 were issued to all eligible children starting in mid-August, and completed by September 30, 2025.

Eligibility

Children who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. 

Most children who get Medicaid are also automatically eligible for SUN Bucks because their income level is under the income level for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program. Children who get Medicaid through the Children with Special Needs category (PH 95) and children who are in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will have to apply for SUN Bucks. 

You Do Not Need to complete an application if…

• The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

• The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025,  and the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program but was between ages 6-18 between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025; OR

• The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

• The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program but is between the ages 6-18 between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025; OR

• The child is in Head Start, is homeless, in foster care, or is a runaway, and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

• The child applied for and was determined eligible for free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program.

Apply for SUN Bucks through DHS

Most eligible households will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some households may need to apply for the program. 

If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can get SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application.  To apply for the Summer EBT/SUN Bucks through DHS, click here (insert this link: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/summer-ebt)

You will receive a confirmation number at the end to confirm your application was submitted successfully. Then, your application will be processed by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS), and you will receive an eligibility notice in the mail.

Paper copies are also available upon request at the Venango County Assistance Office.

Applications received after August 31, 2025, will be considered for SUN Bucks benefits in summer 2026.

Do all Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) students receive the SUN Bucks Benefit?

No. Even though CEP students receive free meals during the regular school year, they must qualify separately to receive SUN Bucks. CEP students can qualify if they receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid with qualifying income, if they are considered homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care, or determined eligible through a SUN Bucks application..

Got Questions?

• Call the SUN Bucks pre-recorded FAQ line at 1-877-762-1575

• Call the Department of Human Services at 1-877-395-8930

• Call the Venango County Assistance Office (CAO) at 814-437-4341 to speak with a representative

• Visit the PA SUN Bucks website at (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/summer-ebt)

FASD Wellness

The Franklin Area School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students' physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. We are committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and promotion, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement.

The guidelines below were developed in accordance with the Franklin Area School District Board of Education Wellness Policy and established to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Our teachers have been asked to enforce these policies and procedures. We ask for your help in supporting them by following these guidelines.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE/COUNCIL

The Wellness Committee shall serve as an advisory committee regarding student health issues and shall be responsible for developing, implementing, and periodically reviewing and updating a School Wellness Policy that complies with law.

The district's wellness policy provides that a school health council will be established. The council will consist of at least one (1) of each of the following:

•  Parents

•  Students

•  Administrators

•  Teachers

•  Physical Educator/Health Educator

•  Health professionals

•  School food service staff

WELLNESS POLICY

The Policy 246 “Student Wellness” can be found on the District’s website under School Board,

click on this LINK 

WELLNESS POLICY ASSESSMENT TOOL AND PUBLIC REPORT

Federal regulations at 7 CFR 210.31 require school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program to complete an assessment of their local school wellness policy at least once every three years and make the results available to the public. This triennial assessment must

 measure the implementation of the local school wellness policy and include: (1) the extent to which schools under the jurisdiction of the school district comply with the local school wellness policy; (2) the extent to which the school district’s local school wellness policy compares to model local school wellness policies; and (3) a description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the local school wellness policy.

The District’s Triennial Assessment Tool and Public Report are located by clicking this link.

SMART SNACKS IN SCHOOLS

All foods sold at school during the school day are required to meet nutrition standards. The Smart Snacks in School regulation applies to foods sold a la carte, in the school store, vending machines, and any other venues where food is sold to students. The Smart Snacks nutrition standards were implemented on July 1, 2014. These nutrition standards are called Smart Snacks in School, are in effect from before the start of school to 30 minutes after the official end of the

school day. The standards will make healthier foods and beverages available to students.

All foods sold as fundraisers during the school day must meet Smart Snack rules.

Below is a resource for Parents, Teachers, and Food Service Directors:

USDA Smart Snacks Guide: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-smart-snacks-school

Classroom Celebrations and Rewards

FASD elementary schools will meet the following standards:

Classroom parties will offer a minimal amount of foods (maximum 2-3 items) that contain added

sugar as the first ingredient and will provide the following:

Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Water, 100% fruit juice, or nonfat milk.

Food will not be used as a reward for classroom or school activities unless the reward is an activity that promotes a positive nutrition message (such as a guest chef, field trip to a farm or farmers market, etc.)

Parents and teachers at all grade levels will be made aware of the district's commitment to wellness and will be encouraged to provide healthy snacks. Healthy food or non-food rewards and celebrations will be encouraged.

This does not mean that we can never have cupcakes in our classrooms. But, please consider incorporating healthy foods into celebrations and eliminating the use of candy to reward children.

RESOURCES

Action for Healthy Kids 

Alliance for Healthier Generation

Best Practices for Healthy School Fundraisers 

Food Services Policy

• The operation of the Franklin Area School District's food services department is addressed in Board Policy 808. Please visit the school district’s website, School Board Policies Section (BOE Policies) to view this policy.

Student Wellness Policy

• Student Wellness is addressed under Board Policy 246. Please visit the school district’s website, School Board Policies Section (BOE Policies) to view this policy.

School Charge Policy

CLICK HERE 

• The Franklin Area School District's food services department's school charge policy is provided below.

Due to the large number of students charging their meals, it is necessary to address the issue of delinquent food service accounts.

The Board of School Directors is required to provide healthy meals in accordance with current regulation and policy. The Board of School Directors shall permit students to incur what the Board or its designee considers reasonable charges and that parents/guardians shall be contacted for payment of said charges.

GUIDELINES: The district shall inform, in writing, parent/guardian, who incurred a negative balance, of the district’s policy regarding food service charges. The Food Services Department of the Franklin Area School District implemented a point of service system for meal purchases in each building. Parents/guardians have the ability to prepay for meals by depositing funds to the student's account. All students are issued a Student Identification Number upon entering grade K and will retain this number while enrolled in the Franklin Area School District. Parents or guardians may deposit money electronically on a student’s account using the School Café website: https://www.schoolcafe.com.

​

A written notice will be sent by mail to parent/guardian whose students have a debt greater than$10.00, informing them of the balance and the notice shall include information on payment options. If the balance is not paid immediately, the student will be provided a lunch at the cost of a school lunch. Students with a negative account balance may not purchase a second meal, a la carte items, snacks, or beverages. Elementary students with a negative account balance may purchase a milk.

Parents are encouraged to keep funds in their child’s account.

Parents with hardships can apply for Free and Reduced Meals at any time during the school year. However, this will not negate the charges incurred nor can a Free and Reduced Meal application be back-dated to address accrued charges. If you need assistance with the application, please contact Shane King at 814-432-2121 Extension 1103.

The District will attempt to collect on accrued charges through contact with parent/guardian. The District will work with parent/guardian to set up a payment plan for families that are experiencing difficulties paying for their accrued charges.

Low Fund Balance. Low balance notification procedures for families participating in the district's online school meal payment service are as follows:

• A low balance notification letter is sent home informing parents/guardians that their child's/children's school meal account is low. In addition, if requested upon activation of the school district's online payment service, a low balance notification may be sent via email. Parents/guardians may register for the notification at https://www.schoolcafe.com.

• A follow-up phone call also may be placed to remind parents/guardians of a negative meal account balance. Payments may be made by providing payment and student information including name, homeroom number, homeroom teacher, and special instructions to the individual cafeteria office. Payments also may be made by the student directly at the point of service. If registered, payments may be made online at https://www.schoolcafe.com, the school district's point of service (POS) software provider.

• Parents/guardians are reminded that it is not the policy of the Franklin Area School District to verbally request a credit card number for any payment of a school meal account. Please know that at no time will the school district or any of its representatives request credit card information over the phone.

Restricting Student Purchases. If parents wish to restrict their children from purchasing certain food items, they should contact Bobbi Ritts-Hamilton in the food services office at (814) 432-2121 Extension 2120 or by email at hamilitonb@fasd.k12.pa.us

A La Carte Items

All students, regardless of whether or not they obtain a regular meal, are able to buy a la carte items if they have the necessary funds available in their meal account.  Please note that the availability of a la carte items may change throughout the year and will differ based on your student’s school level. All items offered are compliant with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and Smart Snacks in School regulations.  Prices for these items are determined based on "market" conditions and are subject to change throughout the school year as vendors increase the costs the District is required to pay. 

B E V E R A G E S

Available at Elementary Schools
Milk (Non-fat Plain and Non-fat Flavored) - $0.60
Water 16.9 oz. - $1.25

Available at Middle Schools
Milk (Non-fat Plain and Non-fat Flavored) - $0.60
Water 16.9 oz. - $1.25 

Available at High Schools

Milk (Non-fat Plain and Non-fat Flavored) - $0.60
Water 8 oz. - $0.75

Water 16.9 oz. - $1.25

Flavored Water large – $1.25

Iced Tea – Diary – 12 oz. -$1.00
Sparling Ice - $2.85

Diet Soda - $1.65 

Capri Sun 6 oz. - $1.20

Switch 17 oz. - $2.25

G Zero 12 oz. - $2.50

G Zero 20 oz. – $3.00

Snapple Juice 11.5 oz. - $2.00

Snapple Tea 16 oz. - $2.75 

O T H E R   I T E M S  

Available at Elementary and Secondary Schools

Baked Chips - $1.25 

Pretzel nuggets - plain - $0.30 

Mozzarella String Cheese - $0.75

Yogurt Parfait - $2.50

Fruit – average - $0.85

Vegetable – average - $0.85

Rice Krispies treat – 1.40 oz. - $1.30

Cinnamon Churros – small - $2.00

Breakfast entrée – non sandwich - $1.75

Lunch Entrée - $3.00

Entrée Salad without bread – large - $3.85

Entree Salad with bread – large - $4.00

I C E  C R E A M

Polar blast - $1.25

Fudge-O-Bar - $1.25

Fruit Bar - $2.00

Scooter Crunch - $1.50

Ice cream sandwich/cookies cream large - $1.80

Mini ice cream sandwich - $1.25

Juice Rush - $1.25

Cotton Candy Twister Cup - $2.00

Sundae Cups 3 oz. - $1.25

If you have any questions regarding your student's meal account balance or the items available at their school, please contact Bobbi Ritts Hamilton, the Food Service Director, at 814-432-2121 Ext. 2120 or via email at hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us

Schools participating in a federal school meal program (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, and Afterschool Snack Program) are required to make reasonable accommodations for children who are unable to eat the school meal because of a disability that restricts their diet.

1. State Licensed Healthcare Professional’s Statement for Children with Disabilities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations at 7 CFR 210.10(m) and 7 CFR 220.8(m) require substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disability restricts their diet. School food authorities must provide modifications for children on a case-by-case basis when requests are supported by a written statement signed by a state-licensed healthcare professional. By July 1, 2025, school food authorities must also accept a medical statement signed by a registered dietitian. The modification requested must be related to the disability or limitations caused by the disability and must be offered at no additional cost to the child or household.

The Medical Plan of Care for School Food Service Form may be used to obtain the required information from the State-licensed healthcare professional or registered dietitian. In Pennsylvania, the following may sign the medical statement:

• Physician

• Physician assistant

• Certified registered nurse practitioner

• Dentist

• Registered Dietitian

The written medical statement must include:

• An explanation of how the child’s physical or mental impairment restricts the child’s diet;

• An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the child; and

• The food or foods to be omitted and recommended alternatives, if appropriate.

Modified meals that do not meet USDA meal pattern requirements are reimbursable only when supported by a valid medical statement for a student with a disability that affects their diet. Meal substitutions that adhere to Program regulations are reimbursable with or without a medical statement.

2. Meal Variations for Non-disability Reasons

School food authorities are encouraged to plan and prepare meals and afterschool snacks that consider children’s dietary preferences. Special meal requests related to general health concerns, personal or cultural preferences, and moral or religious convictions are not based on a disability and are optional for school food authorities to accommodate. Meal modifications for non-disability reasons must adhere to Program regulations.

3. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and USDA regulations at 7 CFR Part 15b, a person with a disability means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or major bodily functions, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

A physical or mental impairment does not need to be life threatening to constitute a disability. If the impairment limits a major life activity, it is considered a disability. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to: functions of the immune system; normal cell growth; and digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

A child with a disability under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is described as a child evaluated in accordance with IDEA as having one or more of the recognized thirteen disability categories and who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the IDEA and its implementing regulations. When nutrition services are required under a child's IEP, school officials need to ensure that school food service staff is involved early in decisions regarding special meals. If an IEP or 504 plan includes the same information that is required on a medical statement (see section 1, above), then it is not necessary to obtain a separate medical statement.

5. School Nutrition Program Contact

For more information about requesting accommodations to school meals and the meal service for students with disabilities, please contact:

  Bobbi Ritts Hamilton, Food Service Director

Franklin Jr.-Sr. High School, 246 Pone Lane, Franklin, Pa 16323

  Email: hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us 

PH: 814-432-2120 Ext. 1102

Click here for the Medical Plan of Care for School Food Service Form – return to the Food Service Director 

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 to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, 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 a 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 contain 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:

1. Mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. Fax:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. Email:

Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Bobbi Ritts Hamilton, Food Service Director

Franklin Area School District

PH: 814-432-2121 Ext 2120

Email:  hamiltonb@fasd.k12.pa.us