The United States Department of Agriculture has ended its funding for the Universal Free Lunch Program that provided school meals to students nationwide at no charge. Now that the program has ended, district families will transition back to paying for school meals using the MySchoolBucks online payment system.
The district introduced MySchoolBucks during the 2016-17 school year, allowing parents and guardians to quickly, conveniently, and securely pay for student meals using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Parents and guardians will also be able to view their child’s account balance, receive optional alerts when balances are low, and see what food purchases were made, at any time, from their computer or phone via mobile app.
How do I set up an account?
Setting up an account is easy — visit www.myschoolbucks.com to sign up. All you need is your child’s name, student ID number (that will be sent to you in your back-to-school mailing), and school zip code. If you have more than one child in the district, you can handle all online prepayments from the same account.
My School Bucks uses a two step authorization method using a cell phone number or email address to receive a one-time numeric code to access your child’s account.
You can set up your account via desktop computer or by downloading the MySchoolBucks App onto your smartphone.
If I already have an account, do I need to set up a new one?
No. You can log into your existing account and begin using it as soon as you’d like.
I have an account, but can’t remember my login information. What should I do?
Click the link that says Forgot username or password in the login box on the homepage. Enter your username (the email address you used to sign up) and then the password will be either emailed or texted to you. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you don’t receive an email in a timely fashion.
I need assistance paying for school meals. What can I do?
Families can fill out the free- and reduced-price meal applications, found on the district website and in the printed calendar that will be sent home with students on the first few days of school. Updated applications are coming soon!
I have some questions; who can help?
Learn more by visiting the FAQs page on the MySchoolBucks website and utilize the video tutorials that walk you through important steps, such as how to reset your password, set up automatic payments, and add a new student, by visiting the How-To-Videos page.
How to set up automatic payments
Important things to know
- All payments are securely processed using MySchoolBucks’ highly secure website and encryption. All payments are quickly credited to your student’s account.
- Effective July 1, 2022, there is a 4.75% convenience fee for each transaction to cover bank fees. It is the district’s understanding that placing money into multiple meal accounts will only be assessed the 4.75% fee once per deposit transaction. Goshen Central School District will not profit from the use of this site.
- If you decide not to take advantage of the online prepayment service, you may continue to make advance payments via check, which should be made out to Cafeteria Fund. Please write your child’s full name on the check.
Questions about MySchoolBucks?
Contact Food Services Director Alan Muhlnickel at 845-615-6492 or e-mail alan.muhlnickel@gcsny.org.
