Food Services

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Breakfast

All students are able to get free breakfast each school day. Research shows that children who eat breakfast:

• show improvement in math, reading, and standardized test scores;
• establish healthier habits for later in life;
• have fewer absences and incidences of tardiness;
• are more likely to behave better in school;
• consume more calcium, fiber, foliate and protein.

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LINQ Connect Information

Students will continue to have individual school meal accounts on LINQ Connect. Parents/Guardians can manage their LINQ accounts and add funds for additional meals and snacks not included in the free breakfasts and lunches. Online deposits can be added to LINQ Connect accounts, or checks can be made payable to Berne Knox Westerlo CSD Food Services.

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Meal Charge Policy

The BKW Meal Charge Policy outlines the guidelines for student meal charges at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District, allowing for the charging of breakfast, lunch, and milk up to a $10.00 limit. It also details procedures for repayment, the suspension of charge privileges for unpaid balances, and specific end-of-year restrictions for Middle and High School students.

View more information about the Meal Charge Policy (via Google Drive).

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Smart Snacks Guidelines

Students are offered healthy school lunches with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The Smart Snacks in School Guidelines ensure that kids are offered tasty and nutritious foods during the school day.

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Special Dietary Needs Policy

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide meal accommodations at no extra charge for children whose disabilities restrict their diets, requiring a medical statement that outlines the child’s dietary limitations and necessary modifications. It also includes a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nondiscrimination statement affirming equal access to programs and detailing how to file a civil rights complaint.

View more information about the Meal Modification Statement for Students with Special Dietary Needs (via Google Drive).

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District Student Wellness Policy

The policy establishes goals and actions to promote student health through nutritious food offerings, physical activity, and wellness education, ensuring that school meals and competitive foods meet federal nutrition standards and that students have opportunities for regular physical activity and classroom wellness integration. It also outlines implementation, monitoring, and community involvement procedures, including a triennial review to assess compliance and progress toward improving health and reducing childhood obesity.

View the Student Wellness Policy (via Google Drive).

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Birthday Baskets (Pre-K through Grade 6)

The BKW Elementary School cafeteria offers Birthday Baskets that can be delivered to your student’s classroom. It’s affordable and convenient for you, and fun and healthy choices for the student’s special day. Birthday Basket Order Forms (via Google Drive) will be sent home the month of your student’s birthday. For additional questions, please contact Food Services Director Lateef Clark at (518) 872-5131.

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Local Food Pantries

Access a searchable directory of local food pantries and meal assistance programs to find help in your area.

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monthly benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other locations. SNAP helps families stretch their food budget so kids can get the nutrition they need to learn and grow.

• For Eligibility
• Applying for SNAP

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) offers one-on-one help applying for SNAP. NOEP can tell you if you may be eligible for SNAP, answer questions, and help with your application. It’s free and confidential. Find a NOEP Coordinator near you.

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Summer Food

Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation throughout the summer while school is out of session. Please visit the USDA website to find a location near you or text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site nearby.

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Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online or from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

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