Need to Know From Nutrition Services for the 2026-27 School Year

Student Meal PINs

This school year, SoWashCo Schools will return to using student PINs to receive school meals. Your child's PIN is the same as in previous years.  The PIN number can be found in Campus Parent Portal or in SchoolCafe.  Please make help your child learn their PIN before school starts. 

• Helpful Tip: Make your child's phone or iPad passcode their lunch PIN before school begins. It is an effortless way to help them memorize it!

Free Meals

 

The Minnesota Free School Meals Program continues this school year, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students who attend school in person.

To qualify for state reimbursement, SoWashCo Schools must follow the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program guidelines.

 

Reimbursable Meal Requirements

 Breakfast

Students must select:

• At least three food items

• One item must include ½ cup of fruit or vegetables.

Lunch

Students must select:

• At least three meal components

One component must include ½ cup of fruit or vegetables

 

À La Carte Purchases

 

Nutrition Services offers a variety of à la carte items in addition to school breakfast and lunch. Funds must be available in your student's meal account to purchase these additional items.

For current pricing, visit the Nutrition Services website. 

 

SchoolCafé

Create or access your SchoolCafé account at www.schoolcafe.com/sowashco.

With SchoolCafé, families can:

• Add students using their Student ID

• Make online meal payments.

• Schedule automatic deposits

• Set spending limits.

• Receive low-balance email notifications.

• Review meal purchase history.

• View school menus, including nutrition information, ingredients, and allergens.

 

Apply for Educational Benefits

Even if a family does not qualify, their completed application could provide additional funding for their child’s school. Learn more at sowashco.org/edbenefits.