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FAQ

PostedNovember 12, 2024
UpdatedNovember 12, 2024

General Information

1. What is the mission of the School Lunch Association?

  • Our mission is to operate a non-stigmatizing program that provides a hot, nutritious lunch for school children, regardless of their families’ financial situation.

2. How many meals does the SLA provide each day?

  • We serve over 6,700 meals daily across participating schools, ensuring children have access to a nutritious lunch.

3. How can I get reminders about menu deadlines?

  • You can opt into email reminders, with notifications sent mid-week and on the deadline day. Text message reminders are also available by request.

Ordering and Deadlines

4. When do menus open for ordering?

  • Menus are posted monthly, with a set ordering deadline. You can check the full ordering schedule on the Meal Ordering Calendar. Notifications go out to remind families of these dates.

5. What if I miss the ordering deadline?

  • We will try to accommodate late orders during the second or third week of the month, though availability may be limited due to advance food procurement.

6. How do I order my child’s lunch?

  • To order your child’s lunch, visit our Menus Order section. From there, you can view the monthly menu and select the meals you’d like to order. Orders can be placed directly through our online ordering system. For a full schedule of ordering dates and deadlines, refer to our Meal Ordering Calendar.

7. How do I create an account for ordering meals?

  • Visit our ordering page and follow the prompts to create a new account. You’ll need basic information like your child’s name, school, and grade to set up an account.

8. Can I make changes to my order after it’s submitted?

  • Yes, you can adjust your order up until the ordering deadline. After the deadline has passed, changes may be more difficult as meals are prepared based on the orders received.

Payments and Donations

9. How can I pay for my child’s lunch?

  • Payments for lunches can be made online, with options for credit card and Interac debit, or by sending a cheque by mail. Cash donations can be made in person.

10. What payment options are available for donations to the SLA?

  • We accept donations through Square with the following options:
    • Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay.
    • Interac Debit: Available for Canadian donors.
    • Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay.

To make a donation, please visit our donation page. Meal payment options may differ; please refer to the ordering instructions provided.

11. How do I pay if I miss the payment deadline?

  • We prefer an Email Money Transfer (EMT) sent to [email protected]. Please include your child’s name and school in the EMT subject line.

12. Are there refunds if school is closed due to weather?

  • Generally, refunds are not issued as food is already procured. We ask you to consider the payment a donation to support the program. You can find more details in our Inclement Weather Notice. Adjustments can be made on your next order if there are concerns.

13. Is financial assistance available if I can’t afford to pay?

  • Yes! The School Lunch Association operates on a “pay what you can” model to ensure all children have access to a nutritious lunch, regardless of their family’s financial situation. You can simply select the amount you’re able to contribute when ordering.

Food and Nutrition

14. What if my child has allergies or dietary restrictions?

  • We provide ingredient lists on our Ingredients page to help parents make informed choices. If your child has specific dietary needs, please contact us directly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

15. Where can I find ingredient and nutrition information?

  • Ingredient lists are available on our website under the Ingredients section. You can also view the Provincial School Food Guidelines. Both resources are accessible through the Help and Resources section, the Menus button at the top of the page, or by selecting the hamburger menu (three lines icon) on mobile devices.

16. How are meals prepared and served to students?

  • All meals are prepared and served within the school by our trained School Lunch Association staff. This allows us to ensure meals are fresh, nutritious, and safely delivered to your child.

Staying Informed

17. How can I stay updated on SLA news and announcements?

  • Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on menu deadlines, events, and other SLA news. You can also opt into text reminders for ordering deadlines by emailing [email protected].
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