MMSD to propose policy change allowing students with negative accounts to get milk

Senior executive director of buildings and facilities Scott Chiak and Food & Nutrition Director Josh Perkins presented a narrow change to food‑service policy that would make milk an exception to the district’s a la carte rules for students with negative food‑service accounts.

Under current MMSD policy, students may be refused a la carte purchases if their school meal account is negative, though USDA‑reimbursed full meals are served regardless of balance. Perkins explained that milk is listed in state and federal guidance as a component of a reimbursable school meal but is also treated administratively as an a la carte item when sold alone. The proposed change would allow a student with a negative balance to purchase only milk (or receive milk with a reimbursable meal) without being publicly denied other a la carte items. Perkins said the revision aims to prevent “lunch shaming” of very young students and to reduce unnecessary waste when a student wants only a milk.

Perkins also confirmed the district currently provides allowable milk alternatives (for example, nondairy substitutes) when medically required. The proposed language would not change the district’s policy that auxiliary a la carte items such as chips, snacks and second entrées remain unavailable for purchase if an account is negative.

At the end of the discussion, the board voted to waive a second reading and have the policy change considered at the August 4 regular meeting. Petra (policy staff) and Perkins said the single sentence in the packet (adding “with the exception of milk”) is the only substantive change being proposed at this time.

No change to the district’s meal‑charge practice for full reimbursable meals was proposed: Perkins reiterated that students will continue to receive a reimbursable USDA meal regardless of account balance.