WUS FOOD SERVICES

We do NOT yet have an answer from the state as to whether school meals will be free to all public school students this school year. However, Wayland Administrators were on a conference call with the state last night, August 13th, receiving the most up-to-date information to pass along to parents...

The Michigan Legislature is still in the process of deliberating items within the state budget. Optimally, the state budget is passed mid-summer to allow schools and other entities to adjust their budgets, based on what was or was not included in the state budget, before school begins. However, that is not the case this year.

One of the budget items that is currently being debated is funding that covers FREE MEALS to all students. This same funding is what provided over 489,000 FREE MEALS to Wayland Union Students this past school year, saving families in our district about $900 per student.

While we wait for the state to finalize its budget, Wayland Union Schools will be providing FREE MEALS* to all students to start the school year. However, changes will be made quickly and notification will be sent to parents as soon as possible if the funding is NOT included in the finalized state budget. Unfortunately, the state has not given the school district a timeline as to when the state budget is expected to be finalized. We ask parents to open and read communications from the school to stay informed as this budget process evolves.

We understand the uncertainty and frustration that this brings to so many of the families in our district. Please know that we are doing everything possible to monitor the situation and communicate with parents efficiently.

In the meantime, households are encouraged to apply for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM...

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 application form electronically. Online application forms 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 form and submit it electronically. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit a form.

Applying for the FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM is optional, but all families are encouraged to apply. For more information about this program and how to apply, please see the section below.

*Please note that the current FREE MEAL benefit being offered to ALL students at this time 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 current 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.

The Free & Reduced Price Meal Program is a federally funded program that allows students of eligible households to receive FREE or REDUCED-cost meals at school.

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 form at the beginning of the school year. However, forms are accepted all year long. Be sure to complete a NEW application form and submit it to your child's school for the 2025-2026 school year.

APPLICATIONS

Electronic Application Forms 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 form and submit it electronically. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit a form.

Paper Application Forms can be obtained from any school office, but families are highly encouraged to submit an electronic application if at all possible. Paper forms can also be downloaded and printed via the WUS Food Services Department Website. Completed forms 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!

Want to find your child's school menu? Click on the BIG APPLE icon to access menus through Nutrislice! Nutrislice houses all the menus for each school building throughout the district. The Nutrislice icon can also be found on the WUS Food Service Department website.

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.

SCOTT LARSON

Director

(269)792-3150, ext. 2610

CINDY MATHIS

Secretary

(269)792-3150, ext. 2601