No more plastic lunch cards to keep track of! 
Augusta public school students will simply enter a 6-digit personal identification number (PIN) on the key pad in the lunch line.
This will prompt the computer to show the student’s photo so that the lunch clerk can validate the PIN entry and assure the correct debit is made to the student’s meal account. 
Don't worry--even kindergarteners can do it!  The PIN will be the child's PowerSchool identification number.
If the student has not already done so, they should learn their PowerSchool ID number.
Online payments
Another new option in the Augusta Unified School District 402 food service program will be online payment into the students’ lunch accounts.
Parents and guardians will have the opportunity make online payments for meals for the new school year. Online payment of academic fees was instituted in USD 402 last year.
To use the online meal payment service, go to the school website and select the food services tab and then the online meal payment link.
No Charge Policy
Augusta is also implementing a No Charge Policy this year. Rising costs of food and fuel and inability to collect on student’s negative balance lunch accounts has resulted in the need to implement the “No Charge Policy.”
Every student will be offered a meal as it is the school district belief and practice that “no child should go hungry.”
Under the No Charge Policy, parents/guardians will make payments to the student’s lunch account in a advance of the student’s participation in the school lunch and breakfast programs.
Student balances will be checked daily prior to meal service and those without sufficient funds in those accounts to cover the cost of the menu meal will be offered a box of cereal and carton of milk as an alternative meal.
Child Nutrition Program free and reduced status applications are available to all families in the district. Qualification for free or reduced meal status as a family is income based. Additionally, some families may be directly certified free status by the state Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS).
While the district encourages student participation in the lunch/breakfast program, students may opt to bring a sack lunch to school from home.