Bearcat Diner

 Dear Parent / Guardian:

The 2026-2027 school year is fast approaching. The Bearcat Diner staff is getting ready for the new school year. Elementary students will continue to be able to choose between an “A” menu and a “B” menu for lunch. Middle school students will have a choice of three entrees, and the High School will continue to have multiple meal options available all within the reimbursable meal guidelines.

As in the past we will be utilizing an electronic point of sale system to manage our families lunch accounts. The students will use their five digit student ID to record their purchases. The student will be expected to memorize the number as they will use it all the way through their educational journey with KPS. We will have lists provided to the cafeteria staff to help while your child works on memorization.

Now is the perfect time to start getting your lunch account ready for the school year. Make payments if necessary or set up auto recurring payments. This is also a good time to talk with your child about your expectations concerning their ala cart and extra food purchases.

Just a reminder that your lunch account is a debit system. Your child will not be allowed to purchase any extra items if there isn’t any money in the account and you will be liable for any reimbursable lunches charged on the account. It is necessary to keep funds in the account. The student is always allowed to use cash for extra purchases.

We have several ways to add money to your account.

1. Mail checks to The Bearcat Diner 320 W 24th St Kearney NE 68845
2. There is a dropbox located behind City Hall
3. Or drop payment off at your school
4. KPS has a program called SmartSchool K-12 that you can use to make online payments. For more information go to https://kpsd.cf.wordwareinc.com/our processor charges a small fee for this service.

If you would like to apply for free/reduced lunches please fill out the online application. You can do this on the KPS website by going to the Bearcat diner and setting up an account. If needed you can fill out paper application at are Bearcat Diner office if needed. We can also help you setup an online account. You only need to fill out one application per family but please be sure to include all of your family members. This is a confidential process.

You must complete a new application every year to keep receiving benefits. Also, you may fill out the online application anytime during the school year if your circumstances change. Filling out this application may qualify you for additional benefits.

All schools in the KPS system will offer breakfast during the 26/27 school year.

If you would like a detailed lunch account summary please contact the Diner office from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday at 308 698-8159. If there is no answer please leave a message and your call will be returned. You may email us at tavriskowski@kearneycats.com .

Your balance is available at https://kpsd.cf.wordwareinc.com/ (if you don’t have your family ID call or email) We will use an automated Text and email system that notifies you in the event your balance falls below $20 if you have a high school student or $5 if all of your students are in 8th grade and below.

We would like to ask that if you have a change in name, address, phone number, email, or any family status that you notify us so that we can keep our records current to provide the best possible information for you and your student regarding their lunch account.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2026/2027 school year!

Bearcat Diner Meal Prices 2026-2027

          Breakfast                                                                                                         Lunch

         Elementary              $1.75                                                                              Elementary           $2.75

         Middle School          $2.00                                                                              Middle School       $3.10

         High School             $2.00                                                                              High School          $3.10

         Reduced                  $0.30                                                                                Reduced               $0.40

         Adults Breakfast      $3.00                                                                             Adults Lunch         $5.00 

                                                                                                                                

         Extra Milk                 $0.60 Extra Milk                                                             Extra Milk              $0.60

                                                                                                                                

 

     Lunch Monthly Payment Schedule

 

                                           (per child)         (per child)          (per child)      (per child)

Month & # of Days	Elementary	Middle       School	Senior High School	Reduced
August – 13 days	35.75	40.30	40.30	5.20
September – 18 days	45.00	55.80	55.80	7.20
October – 21 days	55.00	65.10	65.10	8.40
November –18 days	42.50	55.80	55.80	7.20
December – 14 days	37.50	41.25	41.25	5.60
January – 18 days	47.50	51.30	55.80	7.20
February – 17 days	42.50	45.90	52.70	6.80
March –17 days	40.00	43.20	52.70	6.40
April – 21 days	50.00	54.00	65.10	8.00
May – 14 days	37.50	40.50	43.40	5.60

 

                                       

 

Breakfast Monthly Payment Schedule

 

                                           (per child)       (per child)         (per child)     (per child)

Month & # of Days	Elementary	Middle School	Senior High	Reduced
August – 13 days	22.75	26.00	26.00	3.90
September – 18 days	31.50	36.00	36.00	5.40
October – 21 days	36.75	42.00	42.00	6.30
November – 18 days	31.50	36.00	36.00	5.40
December – 14 days	24.75	28.00	28.00	5.60
January – 18 days	31.50	36.00	36.00	7.20
February – 17 days	29.75	34.00	34.00	6.80
March – 17 days	29.75	34.00	34.00	6.80
April – 21 days	36.75	42.00	42.00	8.40
May – 14 days	24.75	28.00	28.00	4.20

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: These monthly amounts are for MEALS ONLY.

 If your child is allowed to purchase “extras” (example: extra milk, extra pizza, Powerade, etc.) you will need to add additional money to the amounts listed above.

If students brings in Sack Lunch if needed they can purchase ( Milk)

Vision Statement
Kearney Public Schools’ Vision is to provide a safe, supportive learning community that empowers students to become problem-solvers, engaged citizens, and compassionate people who own their future.  Our wellness policy is just one tool in this endeavor.

As required by the USDA, we have conducted an assessment of our school wellness policy. The results are as follows:
As a district, we provide nutrition and physical education in line with USDA requirements. We provide opportunities and guidance to continue being active and following a healthy lifestyle during the school day and beyond. We grant access to area sports clubs to use gym space in afterschool programs to promote healthy lifestyles.  Our students at the high school level have access to many opportunities to participate in sporting activities during each season.

We provide nutritious meals that meet or exceed the USDA standards and encourage students to explore new and different foods.

 

How to Apply

1. Set Up an Account: Click the link Below 
2. https://lobby.edutrak.com/
3. Access the Application: Once logged in, navigate to the "Apply for Free and Reduced Benefits" section.
4. Fill Out Details: Enter all household members and your income details. The online system uses the same requirements as paper applications, and your information remains completely confidential.
5. Submit: Applications are processed within 5 school days. 
6. Paper Applications:  2026-2027FreeReducedApplication.docx  •  Spanish2026-2027FreeReducedApplication.docx  **Paper applications cannot be submitted online, they must be returned to Bearcat Diner (320 W. 24th St.) for processing**

Helpful Tips

• Annual Requirement: You must complete a new application every school year. 
• Changes in Income: You can submit a new application anytime during the school year if your household income changes or if you experience a job loss. 
• Additional Benefits: Filling out this application may also qualify your family for other fee waivers and school benefits. 
• 💸 Educational & Extracurricular Waivers
• Exam Fees: Eligible students can receive waived or heavily discounted fees for college entrance exams (like the ACT) and Advanced Placement (AP) tests. 
• Activities: Many districts reduce or waive costs for registration, sports, band instruments.
• College Applications: The application status often serves as the basis for waiving college application fees during your child's senior year.
• Discounted Internet: Approval can help families qualify for low-cost home internet programs or discounted devices offered by local providers.
• Kearney Area Children's Museum: Discount