WUS Dining Services Newsletter
FALL 2019
Q&A: Free & Reduced Price Meal Program >>>
Q: Do I need to reapply for benefits if my children received benefits from this program last year?
A: Yes! Every household needs to submit a NEW application every school year to determine eligibility. Last year's eligibility has expired, so please re-apply as soon as possible!
Q: How do I know if my household might be eligible for this program?
A: We encourage everyone to apply for this program. Eligibility is based on household size and income level. Guidelines can be found on our website.
Q: What are the benefits of this meal program?
A: Qualifying households receive either free or reduced price school meals. This benefit includes both BREAKFAST and LUNCH every school day, as well as a sack lunch prepared for half-days of school if requested. Reduced Price meals cost $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch.
Additional information regarding this program and how to apply can be found at the end of this newsletter.
If you have questions about your eligibility or how to apply, please CONTACT US! (269)792-3150
Community Connections >>>
The Food Services Department started the school year with several fun activities designed to engage students in healthy eating!
Wayland Community Expo>>>
WUS Food Services participated in the Wayland Community Expo, sponsored by the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce. Delicious food samples were available to hundreds of attendees and the Smoothie Bike was on hand! Even some local mascots got in on the action!
Apple Crunch Time>>>
The 7th Annual Michigan’s Apple Crunch took place on October 10th! WUS, along with more than 400 thousand other Michiganders, crunched apples together. The event is part of our “Farm to School” program and is intended to connect students with our agricultural heritage, support our regional community by keeping our dollars local, and most importantly, demonstrate the nutritional benefit from eating a whole, fresh and delicious fruit!
Our Pine Street Elementary kitchen staff had a great time promoting the Farm to School Program during Apple Crunch Day!
Encourage your students to participate in food sample days and healthy eating activities held periodically during lunchtime throughout the year! Even our picky eaters are finding options they enjoy!
The Food Services staff brought the Smoothie Bike back to Steeby Elementary! Students were encouraged to ride the bike which powered the smoothie blender and all students were offered a FREE berry smoothie!
Students had a great time riding the bike and tasting something new! There were lots of positive comments from students, including "I wish I had one of these at home! I'd make smoothies all the time! It tasted REALLY good!"
Berry smoothies are a great snack or meal on the go! Not only are they a great source of vitamins and minerals, but they are also rich in antioxidants. Check out our recipe below...
By the Numbers >>>
Healthy meals are an important part of a student's success in school. Many studies have found that children who eat regular, healthy meals are less likely to be tired, are more attentive in class, and retain more information. That's why the WUS Food Services staff take great care and pride in their work!
Last year alone, the WUS Food Services staff prepared and served over 75,800 breakfasts and more than 363,000 lunches.
Additionally, WUS partnered with local businesses and the Henika District Library to offer FREE MEALS to children ages 18 & under during the summer as part of the Summer FUN-Tastic Series. Through this program, WUS served 8,525 meals this summer. When you add that to the 10,377 summer school meals that were also served, that's almost 19,000 meals that kept children in our community fed this summer!!
TOTAL MEALS SERVED: 457,745
WUS District Negative Balance Policy >>>
Student account balances for all grade levels shall be set at a level not to exceed a balance in the amount of -$10.
Once a student's lunch account balance reaches, or exceeds a balance of -$10, the student will receive a negative balance meal consisting of a choice of either a peanut butter or a cheese sandwich. In addition, the student will be able to choose his/her fruit and vegetable components from the food bar and will also be able to select his/her choice of milk. Negative balance meals will be charged to student accounts.
Snack, beverage, or a la carte items shall not be charged under any circumstances where a student balance is $0.00 or negative. This includes second meals and entree-only purchases.
Please help the school by paying negative balances as soon as possible and keeping your student's account balance in the positive.
Download it:
Convenient Ways to MAKE A PAYMENT >>>
WUS Food Services Department offers several convenient ways for parents/guardians to make payments to student lunch accounts:
ONLINE - Log onto the Parent Portal to access your student's lunch account. You can review their account history and make payments by hitting the PAY button.
PHONE - Call our office to make a payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. Call the Food Services Office #(269)792-3150.
CHECK - Send a check to school with your student in an envelope during the school year. This can be given to the Cafeteria Staff directly to be applied to your student's account. Please include your student's name on the envelope. You can also mail your check to our office at:
WUS - Food Services Department
324 West Sycamore Street
Wayland, MI 49348
Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications - DON'T MISS OUT! >>>
Applications for Free & Reduced Price Meals need to be completed EVERY year to maintain eligibility. Applications can be submitted electronically or using a paper application.
Electronic Applications>>>
Electronic Application forms are available online through the Parent Portal. Simply log into your Parent Portal account and select MORE from the Main Menu. From there, select MEAL BENEFITS to open and complete the application electronically.
Please contact the HelpDesk at the school if you have issues accessing your Parent Portal account or if you have issues with your Parent Portal account password.
Paper Applications>>>
Paper application forms can be obtained at the school office or downloaded from the WUS Food Services Department website. All completed applications can be turned in to your child's school. Once a family's application has been received and processed, a notification letter will be mailed to the household explaining their new eligibility status.
SUBMIT YOUR 2019-2020 APPLICATION>>>
Benefits of the Free & Reduced Price Meal Program expire every 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 as soon as possible to avoid accruing unnecessary meal charges. Only one application needs to be submitted per household. Submit a NEW application during the school year whenever your household size or income level changes.
Have questions? Call us! (269)792-3150
WUS Dining Services Department >>>
Director
(269)792-3150, ext. 2610
Cindy Mathis
Secretary
(269)792-3150, ext. 2601
Email: mathisc@waylandunion.org
Website: waylandunion.org/departments/food-service
Location: 324 West Sycamore Street, Wayland, MI, USA
Phone: (269)792-3150