WUS FOOD SERVICES
SEPTEMBER 2023
FREE MEALS for ALL STUDENTS!!
Meals have been FREE to all Public School students since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year! So, what do the numbers look like for the Wayland Union School District? As you might expect, families are taking advantage of this terrific opportunity...
<<<DATA CHARTS NUMBERS NUMBERS NUMBERS>>>
WHAT THIS MEANS GOING FORWARD:
Students eating meals at school will no longer be charged for those meals. This includes one breakfast meal and one lunch meal EVERYDAY for each public school student. Only FULL MEALS are FREE due to dietary restrictions of the funding.
This benefit does NOT include a la carte purchases, entrée-only purchases, milk-only purchases, or second-meal purchases. These items will be charged to student lunch accounts and students need to have payment rendered either through available credit from their lunch account or via cash payment at the time of purchase. No student accounts will be allowed to go negative.
ALL PARENTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE A FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATION:
Applications for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM collect information needed to ensure the school receives state and federal funding for education programs. Without this information, Wayland Union Schools could lose important state funding for educational programs that benefit ALL students. So, PLEASE fill out a FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATION.
Additionally, families that qualify for the program may qualify for additional benefits, some of which may include:
- Summer EBT Benefits
- Pay to Participate
- Programs that provide Food Support
- Programs that provide Field Trip Support
- Programs that provide School Supplies
- Potential Household Support for Internet
The easiest and quickest way to apply for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM is by logging into your Parent Portal account and submitting an Electronic Application. Online applications can be found by selecting the MORE option from the Main Menu within the PARENT PORTAL. From there, select MEAL BENEFITS to complete the application and submit it electronically. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit an application.
Applying for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM is optional, but all families are encouraged to apply every year. For more information about this program and how to apply, please see the section below.
Free & Reduced Price Meal Program: 2023-2024
Applying for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATION is optional, but all families are encouraged to apply if they have not already done so this school year!
WHY APPLY?
The Free & Reduced Price Meal Program is a federally funded program that, in addition to providing meal assistance, allows students of eligible households to receive added benefits such as P-EBT assistance.
DOES APPLYING HELP THE DISTRICT?
Wayland Union Schools also uses the number of students eligible for this program as an important reporting tool to qualify for additional funding from various sources. Funding provides additional instructional staff, teaching supplies and materials, counselors and social workers, school nurses, technology, and more!
If less families fill out applications this year, our numbers will not fully reflect the need in the Wayland Union community. Without this information, Wayland Union Schools could lose important state funding for educational programs that benefit ALL students.
Please help improve the accuracy of our numbers by completing a FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM application as soon as possible to ensure students receive necessary services and opportunities.
Applications for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM collect information needed to ensure the school receives state and federal funding for education programs. So, PLEASE fill out a FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATION.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED!
DID YOU KNOW?
Schools also use the percentage of students in their district that are eligible for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM as an important reporting tool used to qualify for additional funding from various sources. Funding provides additional instructional staff, teaching supplies and materials, counselors and social workers, school nurses, technology, and more!
If less families fill out applications this year, our numbers will not fully reflect the need in the Wayland Union community and students might miss out on necessary services and opportunities. Please help improve the accuracy of our numbers by completing a FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM application as soon as possible.
Applying for this program is optional, but all families are encouraged to apply. Eligibility is based on household size and income level.
Families need to apply for this program each school year. It is most beneficial for families to submit a NEW application at the beginning of the school year. However, applications are accepted all year long. Be sure to complete a NEW application and submit it to your child's school for the 2023-2024 school year.
APPLICATIONS
Electronic Applications are online and can be found by selecting the MORE option from the Main Menu within the PARENT PORTAL. From there, select MEAL BENEFITS to complete the application and submit it electronically. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit an application.
Paper Applications can be obtained from any school office once buildings re-open following summer break. Paper applications can also be downloaded and printed via the WUS Food Services Department Website. Completed applications can be sent to the office of your child's school or mailed to the WUS Food Services Department:
WUS Food Services Department
324 West Sycamore St.
Wayland, MI 49348
Once a family's application is processed, a notification letter will be mailed to the household that explains eligibility.
Questions? Please contact our office! We can explain the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits. This is a terrific program and worth applying for!
STUDENT LUNCH ACCOUNT BALANCES
Parents/Guardians are responsible for all purchases made and any debts incurred by their student(s). Student lunch accounts will be charged for any a la carte purchases, entrée-only purchases, milk-only purchases, or second-meal purchases. These items will be charged to student lunch accounts and students need to have the full payment rendered either through available credit from their lunch account or via cash payment at the time of purchase. No student accounts will be allowed to go negative.
Parents can add money to their student's lunch account via the Parent Portal using a credit or debit card, or parents can send a personal check or cash to school with their student.
Please monitor your student's lunch account via the Parent Portal and make deposits as needed to your student's lunch account.
But, What Happened to My Student's Positive Balance from Last Year?
Any positive balance that remained on a student's lunch account at the end of last school year HAS ALREADY CARRIED OVER for the student to use this school year. This function is automatic and there is no action required by the parent.
Questions?
If you are experiencing difficulty or need additional information, the Food Service staff are available for questions and concerns. Please feel free contact us! We are happy to help!
School Menus - Nutrislice
DID YOU KNOW?
Parents can filter out allergens for children with food allergies or sensitivities, find carb counts, and even print the menu when using the Nutrislice menu tools. These extra options can be found in the upper right hand corner of the screen when viewing your child's school menu through Nutrislice!
Please note that our staff may need to adjust menus when items become unavailable due to supply chain issues. We ask that parents and students remain flexible and patient with unexpected menu changes and substitutions.
WUS Food Service Department>>>
Director
(269)792-3150, ext. 2610
Secretary
(269)792-3150, ext. 2601