Groton Area School District

The Groton Area School District Food Service staff under the supervision of Food Service Director, BJ Clocksene, consists of four full and part time staff members. It is their goal to provide high-quality, nutritious, and great tasting breakfast and lunch that meet USDA nutrition requirements.

Our Food Service team undergoes annual training, including training in protecting the civil rights of all students and food preparation safety.

Meal rates are reviewed and set on an annual basis by the Groton Area Board of Education.  Payments for meals must be made in advance and can be made at the Elementary School Office, the Business Office at the MS/HS or online here.  Each school district implementing the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program is required to adopt and enforce a policy on meal charges.  The policy adopted by the Groton Area School District is available here.

Families in need of assistance should apply for free or reduced priced meal benefits.  Qualification for benefits is based on household income and size with rates determined annually based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Families must apply for benefits annually.  

Income Eligibility Guidelines

Application for Free/Reduced Meals

Meal Charge Policy

District Wellness Policy

Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation throughout the nation throughout the summer while school is out of session.  Click here to find a site serving meals near you.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 For more information, contact the SD Department of Education, Child and Adult Nutrition Services at 605-773-3413.