Frequently Asked Questions

1. How healthy are school breakfast and lunch meals?

Meals served by Somerset Academy of Texas campuses are required to provide a minimum of 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance (RDA’s) of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories.  Following the United States Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture obligations, the nutritional guidelines outlined above ensure the balance of the five required daily meal components (grains, milk, meat/meat alternate, fruit, and vegetables) and is federally monitored as part of the National School Lunch Program.  The items your student eats in their cafeteria may look like the items that are at your grocery store, but they are specially made to be whole grain, low fat, reduced sugar, and in more appropriate portions to meet federal guidelines.  Registered Dieticians carefully plan all menus so that students receive a balanced, nutritious, and delicious meal!

2. How much food is my student required/allowed to take on their tray?

Every day students are offered options of all five required meal components (low-fat proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk).  Students are allowed to select one each of protein, whole grains, and milk; a variety of fruits and vegetables offered without doubling items (i.e., two bananas, two mashed potatoes, etc....) to promote variety and tasting new items.   While the most nutritious lunch contains all options, we understand that sometimes students do not like some of the items we offer.  To appeal to a wider variety of personal preferences, students have the option to decline items they do not want.  To follow Offer vs. Serve standards set by the USDA, students are required to take at least three components for their meal; one of which must be a full serving of fruit or vegetable.

3. How much do breakfast meals and lunch meals cost? How does the district use funds received from students?

Breakfast meals cost $2.25 for full-paid students and $0.00 for reduced-price students; lunches cost $3.85 for full-paid students and $0.40 for reduced-price students.  If a student chooses to buy a snack or an extra portion, they will be charged the established price per item.  Students must have money in their account or cash to purchase additional items.  Charging (borrowing) to pay for extra or ala carte items is not allowed.  Funds received for meals and ala carte items are used to pay for labor costs, supplies, food, utilities, equipment, and more.  Somerset Academy of Texas Child Nutrition Services is a self-supporting department that does not require assistance from the charter’s general fund.  We are a non-profit department that covers our operational costs and does not detract from the academic experience or opportunity of students.

4. How can I make a payment to my student’s account?

• • Online:  Payments for breakfast and lunch meals, a la carte (snack items), and extra food portions can be made online at LINQ Connect.  A nominal processing fee may apply.  Please have your student's ID number available to ensure the money is applied to the correct account.
  • Cash:  Cash can be brought to your student's campus cafeteria for deposit into their account.  Students may also pay for a la carte or extra food items with cash daily.
  • By Check:  Make checks payable to the school cafeteria your child attends (for example:  Somerset Academy Lone Star Cafeteria) and bring or send your check to the cafeteria.  Be sure to include your student's name and ID number in the memo section of the check to ensure the money is entered into the correct account

5. How can I get a refund on my student’s meal account? 

A meal account refund can be requested by emailing the Director of Child Nutrition Services at mike.jones@somersetacademytx.org.  To expedite your request, please include a completed and signed copy of the Somerset Academy of Texas Refund Request form attached to your email.  Please note that refunds are provided to the parent/guardian on file and processing can take up to 45 days.

6. Are Somerset Academy of Texas campuses inspected by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department or local sanitation municipality?

Yes!  All Somerset Academy of Texas campus kitchens and/or preparation areas are inspected by the city or the campus municipality two times every school year.  The most recent inspection results are posted for customer review in plain sight of the dining area.

7. My child has a food allergy and/or needs a special diet. What do I do?

Special diets can be created for students who have severe food intolerance or allergy to a particular food item (I.e., soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, etc....).  A special diet may also be considered for students requiring altered textures to food such as pureed or finely chopped.  If a student has a food intolerance or allergy that provokes a life-threatening activity and needs a customized menu to avoid certain food items, the parent/guardian must have their student examined by a state-licensed physician, and complete and submit a Dietary Modifications form annually to Child Nutrition Services.  Once this form is completed and authorized by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, please email the form to mike.jones@somersetacademytx.org and your school nurse.  Students requiring modifications to their diets must have a medical provider's note on file with Somerset Academy of Texas stating what the life-threatening activity is and what to substitute to avoid allergic reactions.

***We are unable to provide alternate meal accommodation for non-medical reasons***

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider."