Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we will allow students to “charge” on credit a complete meal regardless  of the amount of their negative debt. This negative debt will be reflected on the student’s account until the parent or guardian makes a payment.  

• Parents are required to promptly repay all outstanding student meal charges.  

• However, students shall not be allowed to charge on credit snacks, beverages, or other a la carte items if they have a negative balance on their account.

Download our free menu app for your smartphone at Schoolcafe.com.

Allergen information is available on the division website. Also, be sure to report any allergies or medical conditions to the school nurse.

Yes!  We are excited to offer several options for many different dietary needs and preferences.  Halal Chicken Filets, Halal Beef Franks, Potato Bar, Spicy Chana Stew, Plant Based Chicken Nuggets, Garden Lovers Salad, Mozzarella Stuffed Max Sticks, Cheese Pizza, Hummus, Smucker’s PBJ, Yogurt, Fresh Kale and Berry Salad, Nacho with Cheese Sauce, Loaded Veggie Wrap, Twice Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, and a Black Bean Burger   

Some of our schools qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).  CEP is a federal subsidized program allowing schools in poverty areas to offer breakfast and lunch free of charge  to all students regardless of household income.  The following schools offer CEP: Moncure Elem., Kate Waller Barrett Elem., Widewater Elem., Falmouth Elem., Rocky Run Elem. Anthony Burns Elem, Drew Middle, North Star and Rising Star Head Start.  All students attending CEP schools will automatically receive free meals and no application is required.   

If your student(s) do not attend one of the CEP schools listed above you can complete an application online at SCHOOLCAFE.COM.  Paper applications are also available in your school’s main office.  A NEW APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED EACH SCHOOL YEAR.

Your student(s) will be required to enter their unique PIN when purchasing items from the cafeteria line.  The PIN is the last five digits of the student’s school ID number.  Students should not share or use another student’s PIN.

We have the following options for families to pay for their student(s) meals:

• Prepay for your student(s) meals online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/SCPS-Nutrition  Please note that Schoolcafe charges a $2.25 convenience fee per transaction for online payments

• Students may also make meal prepayments by bringing a check or cash to their school cafeteria.

Cafeteria snacks and beverages shall not be sold to students with negative meal debt.  This measure will help to ensure that students are not buying snacks with cash that is intended to purchase the student’s meal.

Yes, our system is synced with the Stafford County Public Schools student information system to provide communication to families via emails and phone calls.  Please ensure that your email address and phone number are up to date by contacting your child’s school front office.

View the complete A La Carte Price List

Parents and guardians can complete an Opt Out Request form.

Per the federal guidelines that govern school meal programs:

• Complete Lunch contains the 5 Food Groups

• Students may choose (One) Entree, (2) Vegetable Servings, (2) Fruit Servings, and Milk. 

  • For example, a student may have the following on his/her lunch tray: Baked Chicken, Dinner Roll, Scalloped Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fresh Apple, Fruit Cup, and Milk.

• At a minimum, a student must select 3 of the 5 Food Groups for lunch and one of the foods must be a fruit or vegetable serving. 

• Complete Breakfast- consists of (One) Entree, (2) Vegetable or (2) Fruit Servings, and Milk. 

Stafford County Public Schools Nutrition Services is committed to providing our students with healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals that exceed nutrition guidelines set forth by the USDA Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.  School meals must be less than 10% saturated fat, zero trans fat, low sodium, and lower in sugar.  Meals are whole grain rich with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.  More information can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/nslp-fact-sheet  

Your student’s school menu offers a greater variety of fresh scratch made meals including:

Fresh Kale Berry Salad, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Parmesan Chicken, Quesadillas, Cobb Salad, Homemade Enchiladas, Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Stir-Fry, Potstickers and Fried Rice, Sauteed Cabbage, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Spicy Chana Stew, Tomato Basil Chicken, Fresh Sauteed Summer Squash, Burrito Bowls, Oven Roasted Chicken, and more! 

The Stafford Schools Nutrition Services department received award recognition from the Virginia School Board Association two years running for outstanding efforts in providing Healthier School Meals.