--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections (14) description: (14) --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## [MySchoolBucks now integrates with SchoolFunds Online by TRA](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-now-integrates-with-schoolfunds-online-by-tra) By [Renee Pisaturo](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/renee-pisaturo) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog_Header_Template-TRA.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-now-integrates-with-schoolfunds-online-by-tra) We've recently established a new partnership with **SchoolFunds Online by TRA** - and we couldn’t be more psyched about it! Developed for and by school bookkeepers, SchoolFunds Online is a comprehensive accounting system engineered to meet the needs of a dynamic school environment to automate funds management. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-now-integrates-with-schoolfunds-online-by-tra) ## [Heartland Welcomes MealViewer](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/mealviewer-joins-heartland) By [Erica Prismantas](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/erica-prismantas) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/blog-header-mealviewer.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/mealviewer-joins-heartland) We’re thrilled to announce that MealViewer has joined the Heartland family!  [**MealViewer**](https://www.mealviewer.com/directors-home/) is a communication tool for parents, students, and schools that can help boost participation and grow your program. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/mealviewer-joins-heartland) ## [From Critics to Advocates: 3 Tactics to Help Get Upset Parents on Board with School Meals](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/NEW_critics-to-supporters.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) Recently, it's become common to see pictures of school meals shared online that students and parents deem unacceptable. Or, to see an article that [negatively compares American school lunches to those from other countries](http://www.attn.com/stories/6085/school-lunches-around-world-compared-to-the-united-states). Unfortunately, this trend perpetuates an already dangerous, false stigma that all American school lunches are unacceptable. And we know that's not the case! Parents want to be assured that their students are served healthy, delicious meals at school, but may be wary if that is actually the case based on content they see online. Combating this negative stigma can be difficult, but it's become a necessary battle for school nutrition departments across the country. **Here are a few tips that can help you get upset parents on board with schools meals:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/from-critics-to-advocates-3-tactics-to-get-upset-parents-on-board-with-school-meals) ## [How to Spice Up Your School Menu Calendars in 7 Steps](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/meni-calendars.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) Menu calendars are a staple to any school nutrition program. Whether they're available in print or online, parents at your school district check them regularly. The design of your menu calendars give you the opportunity to portray your program's personality while offering important information in a clear and concise way. **Here are 7 steps to help spice up the look and feel of your school menu calendars:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) ## [Time For An Upgrade? 4 Ways to Evaluate Your Cafeteria POS Hardware](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/time-for-an-upgrade-four-ways-to-evaluate-your-cafeteria-pos-hardware) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/August_2017/upgrade-your-cafeteria-pos-hardware.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/time-for-an-upgrade-four-ways-to-evaluate-your-cafeteria-pos-hardware) Knowing when it's time to upgrade your cafeteria's POS hardware, versus sticking with what you already own, can have important implications for your foodservice operation. Upgrading too soon is certainly not good for your bottom line.  But waiting too long can also be expensive. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/time-for-an-upgrade-four-ways-to-evaluate-your-cafeteria-pos-hardware) ## [MySchoolBucks Wants to Help Grow Your School Nutrition Program!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-is-here-to-help-fund-your-school-nutrition-program) By [Christoph Grosse](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/christoph-grosse) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/blog-growth-grants.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-is-here-to-help-fund-your-school-nutrition-program) The 2017-18 school year is almost here! You and your staff are ready to start another year of serving students healthy meals everyday. What if you had more funds to promote your program and boost participation? **[MySchoolBucks](https://www.myschoolbucks.com) and [Heartland School Solutions](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions) are excited to offer [Growth Grants](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb-grant) for the start of the 2017-18 school year!** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/myschoolbucks-is-here-to-help-fund-your-school-nutrition-program) ## [Tips to Help with Student Lunch Debt for the New School Year](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/tips-to-help-with-student-lunch-debt-for-the-new-school-year) By [Renee Pisaturo](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/renee-pisaturo) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/June_2017/school-lunch-debt.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/tips-to-help-with-student-lunch-debt-for-the-new-school-year) Recently, much media attention has been focused on school cafeterias and the (seemingly) controversial methods used when students cannot pay for their meal. Cafeteria staff have an obligation to balance feeding hungry kids, maintaining financial stability, and following district guidelines. Occasionally, something has to give. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/tips-to-help-with-student-lunch-debt-for-the-new-school-year) ## [USDA Announces More Flexibility for School Meals](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/usda-announces-more-flexibility-for-school-meals) By [Barry Sackin](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/barry-sackin) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/NEW_Blog_Header_Template-barry.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/usda-announces-more-flexibility-for-school-meals) *The following post was written by Barry Sackin of [Sackin & Associates](http://www.sackinassociates.com/).*  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/usda-announces-more-flexibility-for-school-meals) ## [Have You Started Planning for Back to School Season? Consider Turning Your Meal Program Up a Notch!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/have-you-started-planning-for-back-to-school-season-consider-turning-your-meal-program-up-a-notch) By [Renee Pisaturo](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/renee-pisaturo) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/turn-up-the-volume-logo.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/have-you-started-planning-for-back-to-school-season-consider-turning-your-meal-program-up-a-notch) Most have started – thinking, planning, and organizing for the 2017-2018 school year. It's never too early to begin organizing materials, student class enrollment, back to school kick off, student registration events, and fall programs. Does student lunch participation come to mind? How do you plan to get more students involved in purchasing lunch? Do you consider the short lunch period – where cafeteria staff feel rushed to transact students and make sure they have time to eat? **Our research shows that for every student who submits cash or check payment, it can take up to 7 seconds for the transaction to complete.** What does that mean? 50 students could add 6 minutes to each lunch period.  If those same students prepaid for their meals, more time can be spent making additional sales at your serving lines. MySchoolBucks provides a[library](http://marketingcentral.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb_meal_pay/msb_marketing_guide_meals.html) of supporting material to help promote its service to students and parents. Utilizing these FREE resources can help get the word out to parents, increase participation and speed up your serving lines! Promotional materials are also available for [School Store](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions/payment-solutions/school-store) users. Promote a school event, apparel, tech fees and more! Create a custom flyer, add your own message and logo and have them sent directly to you. To place an order or access any of these materials, be sure to visit [MySchoolBucks Marketing Central](http://marketingcentral.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb_meal_pay/msb_marketing_guide_meals.html).   --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/have-you-started-planning-for-back-to-school-season-consider-turning-your-meal-program-up-a-notch) ## [Registration Just Got Easier! Announcing a New Partnership with FamilyID](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-just-got-easier-announcing-a-new-partnership-with-familyid) By [Erica Prismantas](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/erica-prismantas) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/MSB-FamilyID.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-just-got-easier-announcing-a-new-partnership-with-familyid) Here at Heartland, our goal is to help make your life a little easier by providing innovative software and dedicated service – that goes not only for district staff, but for the parents in your communities as well. To that end, we’re thrilled to announce that Heartland has chosen to partner with [FamilyID](http://www.FamilyID.com), a leader in cloud-based registration platforms, which will streamline and simplify program registration and payments for parents and school administrators. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/registration-just-got-easier-announcing-a-new-partnership-with-familyid) [**\< Previous**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/page/13) [**Next \>**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/page/15) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (34)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (32)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - 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[Point of Sale](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/point-of-sale) - [Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced) - [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing) - [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting) - [In-Person Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-anywhere) - [Meal Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/meals) ### Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) ### Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) ### About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) ### Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) ### Contact Sales 800.423.2113 ### Contact - [Contact Sales](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/contact-us) - [Contact Support](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central#help) ### [Social](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions) - [![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook.png) ![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook_active.png)](https://www.facebook.com/heartlandschoolsolutions) - [![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube.png) ![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube_active.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/HPYSchoolSolutions) ### Location 765 Jefferson Road, #400 Rochester, NY 14623 © 2025 Heartland Payment Systems, a Global Payments company (NYSE: GPN). 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