Nutrition Express Account

The school cafeterias use a computerized point-of-sale system.  It all starts with the Nutrition Express Account.  Every Baltimore County Public School Student has an account. 

The system is programmed to know which students are eligible for free and reduced price meals.  A student's status is always confidential.  The Nutrition Express Account is used by all students regardless of their eligibility status.

Benefits of the Nutrition Express Account

Enjoy the Benefits of Our Computerized Cafeteria:

• Put money into your child's personal account.  No more lost lunch money.
• Supervise what your child purchases with lunch money.  The system tracks each purchase on each account.
• Emergency money can be placed into the account to cover those days money or a bag lunch is forgotten.
• Allows for financial planning for lunch expenses.  You may write one check for all your children who attend the same school.

How Does the Nutrition Express Account Work

How does the account work?

• Each account has a unique account number which identifies your child.  Your child either enters their account number with the pinpad or swipes their card through the card reader.
• The card reader and pinpad are connected to an electronic point-of-sale terminal, which is connected to a computer in the cafeteria manager's office.  When the cashier rings up the order, the system deducts the total from your child's account, or tells the cashier your child doesn't have enough money in the account. 
• The Nutrition Express Account is not a credit system.  Money needs to be deposited into your child's account prior to using the account.  The money in the account can be used for meals and a la carte food items.
• All students may have money on account.  If your child is eligible for free meals, you may prepay for a la carte food items.  If your child is eligible for reduced price meals, you may prepay for both meals and a la carte food items.

Prepayments to the Nutrition Express Account

Instructions for Prepayments:

• A Prepayment Form may be obtained from the school cafeteria.  To download a printable Prepayment Form (PDF format) click on the download Prepayment Form link below.
• Send the Prepayment Form along with cash or check (made payable to the school cafeteria) to the cafeteria manager or person-in-charge at the time and location established in your child's school.  Money will be placed in your child's account on the day of deposit.
• Once your child starts using the account, Low Balance Letters will be sent home weekly when the account is getting low.  A Prepayment Form is printed at the bottom of this letter and can be used to deposit additional funds into the account.