School lunch fees and lunch programs in Winnipeg
If you live in Winnipeg and have a child of school age – you’re probably very familiar with the lunch fees. But maybe not, depending on which division they’re in – that can be pretty confusing.
And by lunch fees or lunch program I don’t mean anything to do with paying for actual food. It’s the fees we pay for the children to be allowed to stay at school and be supervised while eating the lunch that you have prepared.
Every school and division has different rules and prices. It can go from as little as $0 in some places to close to $300 in some divisions.
And the level of supervision or lunch time perks really varies too. In some schools there are designated lunch rooms with a supervisor, other schools the kids eat at their desks in the classroom and there’s a supervisor that walks the halls. Some schools you might get access to a microwave – some the lunches have to be cold.
These fees are to cover the cost of supervision – it doesn’t matter if your child is unable to go eat at home (bus, no one home etc.), everyone pays.
Most schools have payment plans for the fees, and some even have discounts if you have several kids at the same school. One thing I’ve always wondered about is who covers the cost for the kids whose parents never pay the fees? I’m assuming there’s a lot that don’t pay, our school sends home reminders and has robocalls during the entire year, even though the payment is due in September.
If you’re unhappy with the cost or the service provided it’s a great idea to contact the school, parent committee or school division to find out what can be done. I know every year in the fall people are pretty shocked with new kids to find out what they’ll have to pay for that service. And most people who aren’t in the paying schools seem to think the lunches are included – wouldn’t that be great!
I’m ok with the school fees we pay, they’re quite low in comparison to most and we chose to have the kiddo eat at school instead of at home – thought it would be too rushed going back and forth, and it’s the time for her to socialize, join groups at school etc.
How much are your school lunch program fees? What is included and what are your thoughts on all of this? If you aren’t in Winnipeg, how are lunch times covered in your area? And is there anything you’d want to see change with the lunch program at your school?