Winston County Schools

Do I need an email address?

Yes, the ticket will be emailed to you.

Do I need to bring anything to the meal distribution?

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.

Do I have to register for each distribution?

Yes, a new registration is required for every meal distribution.

Does one registration work for my whole family?

No, you must register each child ages 1-18 individually.

Can I share my QR code with someone else?

No – once the QR code is scanned, it becomes inactive and cannot be used again.

I didn’t get a ticket. Can I still come to the meal distribution?

Yes! If you were unable to secure a ticket, you may still come and wait for a chance to receive meals. Our waitlist line will be served starting at 5:30 PM. Individuals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis after all ticketed families have been served and if meals are still available.

I was waitlisted. How will I know if a ticket becomes available?

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.

What should I expect to see in the ticket confirmation email?

Tickets will be sent from Ticket Harmony. The email itself won’t mention Winston County Schools- those details will appear once the attachment is opened.

Why haven’t my tickets shown up in my inbox right away?

Tickets may take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. If you don’t see them after that time, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.

Does my registration for Week 1 apply to Week 3 or any other weeks?

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.

Does my child have to be with me?

No- you only need to present the ticket for the registered child to pick up their meal. However, the person picking up the meal should be the guardian or in charge of primary care for the child.

My child is attending Summer Learning in June. Can they participate in the meal program?

Yes, your child may participate in the program. All students who participate in the Summer Learning Program will be required to bring a lunch each day. The meals received in the Summer Feeding Program may be brought to the Summer Learning Program if desired, however, no additional meals will be provided at the Summer Learning Program. The Summer Feeding Program is a USDA program and strict measures are in place to ensure that duplicate meals are not distributed.

I lost my ticket. What should I do?

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 (CNP) staff will have limited capacity to assist on distribution days. If you have any issues with your ticket, please contact 205-489-5018 prior to 4pm the day 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!

My child lives in a split household. Who should register them?

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.

I was able to register in the first week. Does that mean I automatically get a spot each week?

No registration is first-come, first-served each week. Because we have limited capacity, you must register each time. If spots full up before you register, your child may be placed on the waitlist.

Can I register for multiple weeks at once?

No- registration opens one week at a time, the morning after each distribution. A new registration is required for every distribution.

Can someone else pick up my child’s meal if I’m unavailable?

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).

I registered, but can’t come anymore. What should I do?

If you can no longer attend, please call 205-489-5018 as soon as possible so your spot can be released to a waitlisted family.

I didn’t receive my ticket email. What should I do?

First, check your spam or junk folder. If it’s still not there, call 205-489-5018 BEFORE the distribution day. We are unable to assist with ticket issues at the pickup line.

What kind of meals will be provided?

Meals will follow USDA guidelines for nutrition and may vary from week to week. Each distribution typically includes 10 breakfast and 10 lunch items plus fruits, fresh vegetables, and milk.

If I volunteer to help, does that mean my kids automatically get meals?

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.

I am the biological parent of a child, but they do not live in my household. Can I register them?

No. Only children who live in your household are eligible to be registered under your account. All registrations must accurately reflect the children residing I your home. Please be aware that program participation is monitored, and any suspected fraud is investigated. Providing false information may result in disqualification from the program, repayment of funds, and potential criminal charges.

I’m going on summer vacation. Can I send a friend to pick up my child’s meals?

No. Meal pickups must be completed by the parent or guardian who registered the child(ren). This helps ensure the integrity of the program and that meals are distributed appropriately to eligible households.

What time is meal pickup?

Meal kit distribution will take place from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

What if I miss my scheduled pickup time?

We encourage all families to arrive during the designated pickup window. If you arrive late, meals are not guaranteed. Any remaining meals may be distributed to waitlisted families beginning at 5:30 PM. Due to the scale and logistics of the program, we are unable to hold meals or make special arrangements for pickup after the distribution or on a later day.

Can I pick up meals for multiple households?

No. Each household must pick up their own meals. This helps us ensure accountability and proper distribution.