School News

Free and Reduced Meals and Fee Waiver news

Student Meal Pricing and Payments

UCSD Nutrition Services recognizes the important connection between a healthy lifestyle and a student’s ability to learn effectively which is why we ensure all students have access to a healthy breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. Families will need to carry a positive balance in their children’s school meal accounts in order for children to access breakfast and lunch while at school.

Meal Prices

Breakfast Meal Prices Lunch Meal Prices
Elementary: $2.00 Elementary:  $2.85
Middle School: $2.50 Middle School: $3.10
High School: $2.75 High School: $3.25
Reduced price breakfast: $0.30 Reduced price lunch: $0.40
Second complete meal: $2.75 Second Complete Meal: $4.85
Milk for students bringing a lunch from home: $0.50

For more information about meal prices, please visit the Nutrition Services website.

Payments
Funds can be loaded onto student accounts electronically through LINQ Connect or by bringing cash/check to your student’s building (please place in an envelope and include your student’s first and last name so the money is credited to the correct account). Online payments are preferred because they happen instantaneously. You can also add payments through the LINQ Connect app available on the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android).

If a student has a negative balance in their meal account, parents/guardians will receive an automated notification and automated phone calls. No student shall be denied a complete meal, no matter their outstanding balance or qualification for assistance. For more information on negative account balances, please view Board Policy 702A.

Iowa Eligibility Application
To see if your child(ren) qualifies for free and reduced price meals please complete the 2023-2024 Iowa Eligibility Application.

Student Fee Waiver Program
UCSD offers financial assistance to families qualifying for the district’s free and reduced meal program. If your child(ren) qualifies for free or reduced price meals, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as free or reduced fees for books and materials, driver’s education, busing, activities, and other district services. 

In order to receive these additional benefits, make sure you complete the Waiver of Confidentiality portion of the 2023-2024 Iowa Eligibility Application (which is located on tab 2, “Additional Questions” within the online application form). If you have already completed the application and did not select “yes” for this option, or if you received an email or letter stating that you were Directly Certified by the State, you can complete the waiver separately by using this form. By completing the waiver form, you waive your right to confidentiality of your eligibility status for the selected programs. Please note: The application and waiver forms need to be completed each school year. 

To learn more about applying for free or reduced meals, please visit the Nutrition Services website.

For assistance in completing the application or for questions, please contact the Nutrition Department at 515-457-6911.

The Urbandale Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.