The Colchester School District uses a computerized cashless payment system.  That means that our cashiers are no longer able to accept cash on our lunch lines.

How does the new system work?

Each student has a cafeteria account.  Parents deposit* funds into this account, so all meals are pre-paid.  Students  purchase their meals electronically using a pin number.  When a student’s account is running low on funds, parents and students should deposit funds into their Food Service account to maintain a positive balance.  If there isn't any money in the account and the student is not eligible for free meals, the purchase is charged and the student now has a negative account balance.  This balance must be paid by the next school day.

What are the benefits?

• Parents will know where their money is going.  Only food items can be purchased.  Cash cannot be taken out of an account.

• Parents can pay with a weekly, monthly or yearly check.  Families will not have to hassle with spare change every day.  And that change won't be lost before lunch.

• Since no cash is handled, students will move more quickly through lunch lines.

• All students are treated in the same manner.  If a student is eligible for free or reduced price meals, the computer knows the status automatically and charges nothing or the reduced amount (as if the student had money in their account).

How can I pay for my child's lunch?

Parents can deposit funds into their child's account by sending their child to school with cash or a check ($3.00 or more) payable to the Colchester School Lunch Program.  Parents also have the option of depositing funds directly into their child's account by using a credit card over the Internet.

For more information on Internet payments, click here.