Dear NRSD Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year! A fresh year means a fresh start, and the NRSD Food Service team is thrilled to welcome your children back to our cafeterias. As we navigate this new school year together, our team remains dedicated to serving delicious, wholesome, quality meals that meet the latest nutritional guidelines to support your student's health and academic success.

The Importance of Breakfast & Free Grab & Go Options

Eating a nutritious breakfast is essential for student focus, memory, and sustained energy throughout the day. To ensure every child starts their morning ready to learn, all schools in our district offer a convenient Grab & Go breakfast completely free to all students. It is a quick, well-balanced option that makes morning routines easier for busy families.

Universal Free Meals Program

Every student in the district is automatically enrolled in the food service program and eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch daily.

●     No Re-Applications Needed: Free/Reduced Meal re-applications are not necessary this year because NRSD schools participate in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP).

●     High Nutrition Standards: School meals meet and exceed strict federal standards. Meals include whole grains, lean proteins, reduced sodium, and fat-free or 1% milk (flavored milk is fat-free).

●     Fruit & Vegetable Requirements: Meals feature a wide variety of produce, including dark green, red/orange vegetables, and legumes. Per federal guidelines, students must take at least one serving of fruit or vegetable with both breakfast and lunch.

A La Carte Items & Account Restrictions

●     A La Carte & Snacks: Extra snacks and drinks are not covered under the CEP Free Meals Program. Students can only charge a la carte items to their computerized account if prepaid funds are available.

●     Opting Out: If you do not wish for your child to purchase a la carte items, please send a written letter or email to Food Services Director Joseph Sanders. Students will only be blocked from making extra purchases if a parent request is on file.

Payment Options for Student Accounts

NRSD Food Service is self-funded through state/federal reimbursements and the Government Food Surplus Program, receiving no local tax dollars other than utilities. Any funds left in your student's account at the end of the school year will automatically roll over to the next year.

MySchoolBucks

Conveniently pay online or via the mobile app using a debit/credit card or bank account at www.myschoolbucks.com.

Check

Make checks payable to NRSD Food Service. Write your student's full name and school in the memo line. Send it with your child or mail to: Food Service Director, NRSD Central Office, 462 Baldwinville Road, Baldwinville, MA 01436.

Cash

Cash is not recommended as it cannot be traced if lost. If necessary, send cash in a sealed envelope clearly labeled with your student's full name and school.

We look forward to welcoming your children to the cafeteria this year and feeding them fun, healthy meals! Please reach out directly with any questions or needs.

Best,

Joseph Sanders

Food Service Director, NRSD

Email Mr. Sanders  978-939-4308

Step 1: Create a User Account

Step 2: Add the district to the account

Step 3: Add student(s) to the account

Step 4: Fund the account(s)

Non-Discrimination Statement:

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/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.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.