Pennsbury Food Service Questions and Answers 2026-2027
The Nutrition Group receives many questions from students, parents, and guardians about the food service program at Pennsbury School District. We hope this Q&A helps to answer some of your questions. As always, please continue sending your questions or comments to: Ashley Dowd, Director of Food and Nutrition, at [email protected]. To reach our Food Service Office please call: (215) 428-4100 ext. 22201
Q: How do I apply for free or reduced meals?
A: Visit www.schoolcafe.com/pennsbury and create an account. If you already have an account, simply log in and complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. Applications must be submitted each school year.
Please note: Breakfast is FREE for all students during the 2026–2027 school year, regardless of household income.
Q: How do I add money onto my School Café account?
A: Students may bring cash or a personal check directly to our cafeteria staff. You can also add funds online through your SchoolCafé account at www.schoolcafe.com/pennsbury using a credit card. Please note that SchoolCafé charges a convenience fee of $2.95 for online credit card transactions.
Q: How will I be notified if my student has an outstanding balance?
A: Account balances can be viewed at any time through SchoolCafé. In addition, negative balance reminders will be sent out monthly via email or mailed to the address you have on file with the district. In addition, families with negative balances will receive monthly notifications via email or mail. SchoolCafé also allows parents and guardians to set up low-balance alerts.
Q: Who should cafeteria checks be made payable to?
A: Personal checks should be made payable to: “Pennsbury Dining Services.” Please include your student's name and ID number in the memo section of the check.
Q: Can my student hand-deliver a check for their cafeteria account?
A: Yes. Students can bring a personal check to the cafeteria cashier during breakfast or lunch service. Please place the check in a labeled envelope and include the student's name and ID number on the check.
Q: How can I view breakfast and lunch menus?
A: Menus are available on the district website under Food Services and at pennsbury.nutrislice.com. Menus can also be accessed through the Nutrislice app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Q: How do I add restrictions to my student’s cafeteria account?
A: Parents and guardians can add restrictions through SchoolCafé by visiting www.schoolcafe.com/pennsbury. Restrictions can be adjusted at any time.
For example, you may prevent your student from charging snack purchases to their account while still allowing them to purchase snacks with cash.
If you need a specific restriction added, please contact the Food Service Department and we will be happy to assist you.
Q: How can I ensure my student does not consume foods they are allergic to?
A: Parents and guardians should provide allergy and dietary restriction information to the school nurse at the beginning of the school year. The nurse forwards this information to The Nutrition Group, and it is entered into the student's SchoolCafé account.
When a student enters their ID number at checkout, our point-of-sale system alerts cafeteria staff to any documented allergies. Staff members then verify that the student's meal selections do not contain the listed allergen(s). Additionally, allergen information is available on our online menus.
Q: My student has medically documented dietary restrictions. Can you provide accommodations?
A: Yes. A licensed medical professional must complete a Medical Plan of Care for School Food Service form. Once the form is received, our registered dietitian will work with the family and school staff to develop appropriate meal accommodations based on the student's needs. The medical form can be found on the Pennsbury School District website under the Food Services section.
Q: What are the snack guidelines for the district?
A: Pennsbury School District participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and follows the USDA's Smart Snacks in School guidelines.
Additional information is available at:
Smart Snacks Guidelines
Pennsbury Smart Snack Information
A list of available snack items can be found on the Pennsbury website under Food Services by selecting "Nutrition Facts for Snacks."
Snack prices are also listed on the right side of the online lunch menus, although pricing is not currently displayed in the Nutrislice app.
Q: What are the 2026-27 meal prices?
A: All Pennsbury students are eligible to receive a FREE breakfast for the entire 26-27 school year.
Lunch Prices:
Elementary Lunch $2.65
Middle School Lunch $2.85
High School Lunch $3.25
Q: Can I transfer money from one student’s School Cafe accounts to another?
A: Yes. Please email your request to: [email protected]. Be sure to include both students' full names, student ID/lunch account numbers, and the specific amount of money you would like to transfer to and from. Please note you cannot transfer funds through the SchoolCafé app.
Q: How can I apply to work for The Nutrition Group?
A: The Nutrition Group is currently hiring: Visit www.tngcareers.com, click "Career Portal" at the bottom of the page, and search for "Pennsbury" to view current employment opportunities.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Food Service Department at [email protected] or call (215) 428-4100 ext. 22201. We look forward to serving your family during the 2026–2027 school year.