West Ottawa... Food For Thought

January 2023 - WOPS Food Service News

Pillsbury "Pride" Doughboy!

Keep an eye out for PILLSBURY PRIDE in your lunchroom! He will be traveling around the district to each elementary, middle, and high school building. When he is at your school we will celebrate with a special treat served with lunch on his final day! We will also introduce & spotlight the kitchen staff of the kitchen that Pillsbury Pride is visiting.
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Pillsbury Pride's 3rd Stop is... High School South!

From January 4th - January 13th Pillsbury Pride will be visiting High School South's Kitchen!


Introducing our staff at High School South:


    Miss Melody

    • This is Melody's 10th year working for West Ottawa food service.
    • Her favorite food is a Detroit Style Coney Dog.
    • Fun Fact: She loves to go to the movies. My favorite movies to watch are Superheroes and Star Wars!


    Miss Melissa

    • This is Miss Melissa's 24th year working for West Ottawa food service. She is the smiling face you will see at the Perk serving the best drinks and snacks!
    • Her favorite food is Italian.
    • Fun Fact: In the summer months, she works at a golf course and gets to drive her golf cart to work!


    Miss Kyle

    • This is Miss Kyle's 4th year working for West Ottawa Food Service.
    • Her favorite food is her moms fried chicken.
    • Fun Fact: Her & her husband families have been involved in many aspects of education, including food service, administrative roles, teachers, and office staff. School systems are a great place to be!


    Miss Nikki

    • Miss Nikki has been working for West Ottawa Food Service for almost 5 years!
    • Her favorite food is pizza.
    • Fun Fact: She got married in Las Vegas...but not by Elvis.


    Miss Rachel

    • Miss Rachel has been working for West Ottawa Food Service since last spring.
    • Her favorite food is tacos.
    • Fun Fact: Her last name means potato and can be found in any Dutch cookbook.


    Miss Stephanie

    • This is Miss Stephanie's 6th year working for West Ottawa food service.
    • Her favorite food is pizza.
    • Fun Fact: She was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and has never been to the Jersey Shore.


    Mrs. Susan

    • This is Mrs. Susan's 3rd year working for West Ottawa food service.
    • Her favorite food is pizza.
    • Fun Fact: She has 2 children & 2 very spoiled dogs.


    We are very thankful for each of our staff at High School South!

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    Pillsbury Pride's 4th Stop is... Lakewood Elementary School!

    From January 16th - January 27th Pillsbury Pride will be visiting Lakewood Elementary Kitchen!


    Introducing our staff at Lakewood Elementary:


    Miss Kerri

    • This is Miss Kerri's 23rd year working for West Ottawa Food Service.
    • Her favorite food is prime rib and coconut shrimp.
    • Fun Fact: She loves camping and giraffes!


    Miss Lonnie

    • This is Miss Lonnie's 5th year working for West Ottawa food service.
    • Miss Lonnie cannot pick a favorite food because she loves them all!
    • Fun Fact: She loves going camping, crocheting, and her grandkids.


    We are very thankful for each of our staff at Lakewood!


    Keep an eye out for our next newsletter at the beginning of February to learn where Pillsbury Pride is visiting that month.

    LETS TALK ABOUT SNACKS!

    Nutrient Dense Foods Vs. Calorie Dense Foods

    Nutrient dense foods: High in vitamins & minerals, essential fats, fiber, and proteins.


    Examples: Fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, protein, nuts, ect...


    Calorie dense foods: High in calories but lacking in nutrients (vitamins & minerals, fiber, essential fats, and proteins).


    Examples: Soda, cookies, white bread/pasta, chips, ect...

    Examples of nutrient dense snacks

    • Nut bars/granola bars
    • Yogurt with berries
    • Popcorn
    • Trail mix
    • Cheese & whole grain crackers
    • Meat sticks/Jerky
    • Hummus with whole grain crackers, breads, or veggies
    • Fruits
    • Veggies
    • Nut butter with whole grain crackers, an apple, or toast
    • Dried fruit
    • Cheese stick

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    Student meal applications

    Fill out a virtual meal application at https://westottawa.familyportal.cloud/


    For a Spanish Application please click HERE.


    Questions?

    Visit our website at https://www.westottawa.net/wops-food-service

    OR

    Contact Rachael at heemstrar@westottawa.net or call (616)786-2101

    How do I deposits funds into my students meal account?

    1. You can add funds into your students account through our new food service Meal Magic Family Portal https://westottawa.familyportal.cloud/
    2. Your student can bring cash OR a check to the register in the cafeteria and a food service staff member can deposit it on to your students account.

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    Did you know that West Ottawa Food Service does catering?

    Our kitchen manager, Noelle, has a culinary degree and can help you with all your catering needs! Email Noelle at whitlatchn@westottawa.net or call her office at 616-786-2102.