Food Service Update: Online payment issue resolved; see our various payment options & charging guidelines

The nationwide online credit card payment issue for student meal accounts has been resolved. Payments are processing normally again. Students continued to receive meals throughout the outage—thank you for your patience.

The Stanwood-Camano School District remains committed to ensuring that no child goes hungry in our schools. To support families, here are some key reminders about meal payments and account guidelines:

Payment Options

Families can pre-pay for meals in two ways:

• Cash or Check: Send to school (payable to Stanwood-Camano School District or SCSD). Please include your child’s name and account/PIN number.

• Online: Log into Skyward Family Access → Food Service → Add Payment. Funds are placed directly on your child’s dining account. Balances automatically roll over to the next school year.

Charging Guidelines

• Elementary & Secondary Students: Accounts may be charged for reimbursable meals only (no a la carte items, including milk).

• Low Balance Notifications: Families can set up email alerts in Skyward when balances fall below $6.

• Negative Balances: Families are notified once accounts reach -$0.40. Larger balances (-$10 or more) also receive a mailed letter.

• Seniors: Accounts must be in good standing before graduation. Remaining balances may be refunded or transferred to siblings.

• Refunds: Email mhuntley@stanwood.wednet.edu to request a refund.

For complete details, please review our full Charging Policy document.

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications

Families who qualified for free or reduced-price meals last year must reapply by Oct. 14 to continue receiving these benefits. Without a new application on file, meal charges will begin Oct. 15.

Submitting a new application takes less than 10 minutes and is important for more than just keeping benefits in place this year. It also helps:

• Ensure your child doesn’t lose meal benefits.

• Keep several of our schools eligible for free meals next year.

• Secure valuable state and federal funding that supports student programs.

School meals remain one of the most affordable and nutritious options for families. For example, an elementary lunch is just $3.50, compared to an average of $4.35 for the same ingredients purchased at a local grocery store.

👉 Apply today through Skyward Family Access.

For more information and application links, visit our Food Services page.

You can help the Health & Wellness Committee

The Stanwood-Camano School District’s Health & Wellness Committee is preparing for another year of important work. This year, the committee will complete its triennial review of three district policies:

The committee includes staff, parents, and other representatives, and we encourage participation to help shape and strengthen wellness practices across the district.

Meetings are scheduled from 4-5 p.m. on the following dates:

• November 12

• February 18

• May 27

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Food Service secretary Michelle Huntley at mhuntley@stanwood.wednet.edu.