06/07/2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Our Summer Meal Program will look a little different this year as the USDA has implemented new requirements designed to strengthen program accountability and ensure meals are distributed appropriately to eligible children.
Please carefully read all pickup requirements prior to arriving. Meals cannot be distributed without the required documentation and verification.
Because of these changes, only children who have been pre-registered for meals will be eligible for pickup. In addition, registration will be required for each additional meal pickup date throughout the summer.
A QR code and registration link will be provided on our page, district website, and at the distribution site. Please note that registration will be capped at 550 students per week. Once registration is full, additional registrations cannot be accepted for that pickup period.
Verification Requirements:
• New Castle Community Schools families will be verified through the school data system during their first pickup. Parents/Guardians must:
Present a valid photo ID that matches the parent/guardian information in our student data system, PowerSchool.
• Parents/guardians outside of the corporation must:
Provide documentation from the child’s school (example: student ID or report card)
Present a valid photo ID
Bring the child(ren) with them during the first pickup for verification
• School-age children who are homeschooled must:
Provide documentation of homeschooling (example: syllabus or schedule)
Present a valid photo ID
Bring the child(ren) during the first pickup for verification
• Children ages 2–5 who are not school-aged must:
Be present with the parent/guardian
Have a parent/guardian present a valid photo ID
• Parents/guardians who would like to authorize another individual to pick up meals for their children must provide that individual with a written permission slip. In these situations, the children must be present with the authorized individual at every meal pickup for verification purposes.
Once a family has completed the initial verification process, children will no longer need to be present for future pickups when meals are picked up by the verified parent/guardian. However, the parent/guardian picking up meals must continue to provide a valid photo ID at each pickup. Authorized individuals are excluded from this exception and must have the children present at every pickup.
Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. to start the validation process and meal service will begin at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to continue providing meals to children in our community while meeting all USDA program requirements.
