The Ponca City Public School Child Nutrition Program announced last week that beginning September 15, 2020 all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge to the student. These meals are available to students during instructional school days.

According to Jeff Denton, Director of Child Nutrition, “The decision was made to offer the free meals retroactively to the first day of school. Student accounts who paid full or reduced price will have their accounts credited for the meals purchased prior to September 15, 2020. Families are encouraged to leave any funds in their students account in the event meals return to full price or reduced. However, we can refund the amount to households if they request a refund through our CNP office at 580-718-3992.” The refund will take several weeks to process. Denton also encourages parents or guardians who have set-up auto pay on My School Bucks to deactivate the auto pay until meal charges return.

The district is now participating in the Summer Meal Program, which is allowing all students to eat at no cost, with the exception of extras, which can be purchased, at West, East, and the High School. Another exception includes Elementary and Prekindergarten students who purchase milk with a lunch from home. “We do ask elementary students who don’t normally eat lunch to notify their student’s site that they will be eating during the availability of free meals. This will ensure we prepare enough meals at our central kitchen,” Denton stated.

Meals are available to all students at no cost at all sites on regular attendance days.