Summer Feeding Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my child have to attend Autauga County Schools?
A: No! All children ages 1–18 qualify, regardless of school district.
Q: Do I need an email address?
A: Yes—the ticket will be emailed to you.
Q: Do I need to bring anything to the meal distribution?
A: Yes. You must bring the emailed meal ticket with you. We can scan the QR code directly from your phone or from a printed copy. Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see the email. Meals cannot be picked up without a valid ticket. We suggest you screenshot each QR code for ease of finding and being prepared for scanning.
Q: Do I have to register for each distribution?
A: Yes, a new registration is required for every meal distribution.
Q: Does one registration work for my whole family?
A: No, you must register each child ages 1-18 individually.
Q: Can I share my QR code with someone else?
A: No. Once the QR code is scanned, it becomes inactive and cannot be used again.
Q: I didn’t get a ticket. Can I still come to the meal distribution?
A: No. Meals are prepared based on the number of registered tickets. We are only able to serve those who have successfully registered and received a ticket.
Q: I was waitlisted. How will I know if a ticket becomes available?
A: If a spot opens, an email will be sent to all individuals on the waitlist. Tickets will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those who respond and claim them.
Q: Does my registration for Week 1 apply to Week 3 or any other weeks?
A: No, each week requires a separate registration. Your week 1 registration is only valid for that week. You must register each child individually for all future meal distributions.
Q: Does my child have to be with me?
A: No. You only need to present the ticket for the registered child to pick up their meal.
Q: My child is attending Summer Learning at Pine Level or Daniel Pratt Elementary School from June 12-27. Can they participate in the meal program?
A: Yes, your child can participate in the meal distributions on May 29, June 5, June 26, July 7, and July 17. However, they cannot participate in the June 16 distributions because they will be receiving meals through the Summer Learning program at either Pine Level Elementary or Daniel Pratt Elementary. As this is a USDA program, strict measures are in place to maintain program integrity. Names of children enrolled in the Summer Learning meal service and the bulk meal pick-up are cross-checked, and any duplicate registrations for the June 16 distributions will be deactivated.
Q: I lost my ticket. What should I do?
A: Please be sure to keep your ticket safe and verify that you have received it in your email before the distribution day. Our team works hard to ensure smooth and timely meal pick-up, and Child Nutrition Program staff will have limited capacity to assist on distribution days. If you have any issues with your ticket, please contact cnp@acboe.net before the distribution day. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to look up or reissue tickets while you are in the pick-up line. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Q: If I arrive very early to meal pick-up, will my child(ren) be able to use the bathroom facility at the school?
A: No. We cannot allow the public to enter the school without supervision. All personnel will be busy making sure all food items are in place for distribution. If you have pre-registered, you will receive food.
Q: My child lives in a split household. Who should register them?
A: We ask that families coordinate and work together to register their child. Duplicate registrations will be deleted, with priority given to the first completed registration. Please note that we are unable to mediate custody or other family arrangements.
Q: I was able to register the first week. Does that mean I automatically get a spot each week?
A: No. Registration is first come, first serve each week. Because we have a limited capacity, you must register each time. If spots fill up before you register, your child may be placed on the waitlist.
Q: Can I register for multiple weeks at once?
A: No. Registration opens one week at a time, the morning after each distribution at approximately 8:00 a.m. A new registration is required for every distribution.
Q: Can someone else pick up my child’s meal if I’m unavailable?
A: Yes, as long as the person picking up is considered a guardian for that day and brings the child’s valid ticket, they may pick up meals. Per the Alabama State Department of Education, a guardian is defined as any adult primarily responsible for the child’s care that day (e.g., grandparent, babysitter).
Q: I registered but can’t come anymore. What should I do?
A: If you can no longer attend, please email cnp@acboe.net as soon as possible so your spot can be released to a waitlisted family.
Q: I didn’t receive my ticket email. What should I do?
A: First, check your spam or junk folder. If it’s still not there, contact cnp@acboe.net before the distribution day. We are unable to assist with ticket issues at the pickup line.
Q: Can I register my infant or toddler?
A: Yes. Children ages 1-18 are eligible to receive meals through this program.
Q: What kind of meals will be provided?
A: Meals will follow USDA guidelines for SFSP and may vary from week to week. Each distribution typically includes ten breakfast and ten lunch items plus fruits, fresh vegetables, and milk. The week of May 29 will only include seven breakfasts and seven lunches plus fruits, fresh vegetables, and milk.
Q: I don’t live in Autauga County. Can my child still participate?
A: Yes. The program is open to all children ages 1-18, regardless of school district or residence.
Q: If I volunteer to help, does that mean my kids automatically get meals?
A: No. Due to strict USDA guidelines, all children must be registered through the official process to receive meals, regardless of whether a parent or guardian is volunteering. Volunteers must follow the same registration rules as everyone else.
For more information, contact the Child Nutrition Program at cnp@acboe.net.