Where can I find my child's PIN number?
You can find your child's PIN number in ParentVue under the student information tab. On the left side of the page, click on the "Student Info" tab. Scroll until you see "Miscellaneous Information." The PIN is a 5-digit number they will use when they pass through the breakfast and lunch line.
How is my student's PIN number used?
Mounds View Schools has a computerized meal accounting system that assigns a unique PIN number to each student when they are enrolled in our school district. When a student passes through the breakfast and lunch line, they type in their own 5-digit PIN number into the keypad at the register. When the student enters their PIN number their meal is added(charged) to their meal account.
If a student enters their PIN to purchase Ala Carte items, similar to a store, the cashier at the register enters the items purchased to charge the ala carte items to their meal account. View AlaCarte item prices HERE.
Effective for school year 2023-2024, the first breakfast and lunch meal is at no cost for students Preschool to Grade 12.
One carton of milk is included in a breakfast or lunch meal. Please see our Offer vs Serve poster or contact NutritionServices@mvpschools.org for more information.
Is there a fee to make a payment online? How do I make a payment?
No, there is no fee to make an online payment. To make an online payment, visit LINQ Connect. In your LINQ Connect account, you will also be able to view cafeteria purchases, view account balances and set up email notifications on low balances for your students.
Do you accept cash or check for meal account deposits?
Yes, we accept cash or check for meal account deposits. Checks can be written out to ISD 621 Nutrition Services. Please include your child's name in the memo line. Each school cafeteria has a money drop box with envelopes provided.
I have more than one student at a school. Do I have to write separate checks?
No. You can write one check to Mounds View Schools. Please make sure each student's name and PIN are on the check. Indicate the amount that is to be deposited into each account.
I have children at different schools. Do I have to write separate checks?
Yes.
My child brings lunch from home and only needs milk from school. How do they purchase milk only?
Please add a prepayment into your students' meal account to purchase milk only. Ala Carte milk costs $0.60.
Can my student purchase other items using his/her PIN, such as a snack or a double portion of a meal?
Middle and high school students have additional food available to purchase Ala Carte if they have money in their accounts. Double portions of the offered entree and grain may also be purchased with a positive account balance. Please view our 2023-2024 Ala Carte items for price details.
What if I do not want my student to make purchases, including Ala Carte and/or an Extra Entree, beyond the reimbursable school breakfast or lunch meal?
You can call the Nutrition Services office at 651-621-6025, or email nutritionservices@mvpschools.org to add a spending limit to your student's account for purchasing extra items.
My student has a milk intolerance. What should I do?
The parent/guardian will send an email to a Nutrition Services Supervisor or call 651-621-6074 indicating their student would like the milk substitute, vanilla soymilk.
My student has a food allergy. What should I do?
The Special Diet Accommodations tab below includes frequently asked questions, the two options for school meals while managing a food allergy, and our department’s special diet procedure. Contact Traci.Donahoe@mvpsschools.org for additional information.
My student has left the school district or graduated. Can I receive the balance left in their lunch account?
Yes, you can complete the meal account request form to request a refund or balance transfer for your students account balance.
Can I make a donation?
Yes, donations are accepted year round. Funds will be deposited into the school’s Angel Fund account. The Angel fund is a fund designated for households experiencing financial hardship and to assist with nutrition related costs. Click HERE for a form to complete and mail your donation check to: District Center Attn. Nutrition Services 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126. Checks can be made out to Mounds View Schools.
What is the unpaid meal charge and debt collection procedure?
Click HERE to view more information.
Who develops the menus?
Breakfast and lunch menus are planned by the Nutrition Services Supervisor and site managers. Input for these menus is received from many sources including students, parents, Nutrition Services staff, school staff and other school districts. All menus are planned to meet or exceed the meal pattern requirements for breakfast and lunch established by the USDA.
What are the meal pattern requirements?
The lunch and breakfast meal pattern requirements outlined for all school districts are determined by the USDA under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. The portions served provide at least one third of the RDA for key nutrients. Our online LINQ menus provide nutritional information for the food we offer as part of a breakfast and lunch. Everyday at all Mounds View Public Schools, students are welcome to select more fruits and vegetables than what is required to be offered in part as a measure to fill everyone’s bellies and get them ready to learn.
Are reusable dishes used in school lunchrooms?
As a general rule, Nutrition Services utilizes reusable plastic serving trays in all District schools to serve students lunch. For environmental reasons, Nutrition Services staff try to refrain from using disposable dishes whenever possible, but there are occasions where disposable trays may be utilized. A kitchen may use disposable trays if there is an issue with the dishwashing equipment preventing dishes from being washed safely per health department requirements. Additionally, if there is a temporary shortage of kitchen personnel, work is prioritized so that serving lines are staffed before the dish-washing room. The majority of school waste is paper, therefore our waste company processes our trash through incineration. This is an energy-producing system rather than sending waste into landfills.