Q: What is a reimbursable meal?
A: A reimbursable school meal is the name given to meals that meet the required meal pattern by the National School Lunch Program. The school meal must include the following components: a protein, a bread, a vegetable, a fruit and fluid milk. At Portage Public Schools, we provide an “offer vs. serve” format of school meals. This means that students are offered all 5 components, but must choose at least 3 to comprise a “qualified” meal. They can choose all 5 if they wish, but must take a minimum of 3 items. The entrée’s featured on the menu combine to make two of the components, the protein and the bread. When a student chooses an entrée, all they need to do is choose 1 to 3 more of the remaining components to complete their school meal. School meals are charged at the set school lunch price of $2.05. The Premium school lunch is an additional $ .25 and can be used for Sandwich Central or homemade pizza’s at the Middle & High Schools. Students who do not take the necessary components for a school meal are charged for their food items at ala carte prices.
Q: How can I find out what my child’s account balance is?
A: Simply log into PIV (parent internet viewer) or call the Kitchen Manager in your school or the Food Service Department at 323-5155. We can give you the information by phone, and we can also print out an account history and send it to you by mail, fax, or e-mail.
Q: Where can I get an application for free and reduced meal benefits?
A: Your school office has applications, or you may print one from this website. On the Food Group home page, select the Free and Reduce Meal Application link. You may print the application, then fill it out and mail it to the Food Service Department at 8111 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI 49002 or drop it off at your child’s school office.
Q: My child qualifies for meal benefits at lunch, they offer breakfast at our school, does that mean my child can eat breakfast at the same benefit level?
A: Yes, their lunch benefits also apply at breakfast, and we would love to have your child eat breakfast with us.
Q: When can I expect to hear whether my child will receive meal benefits?
A: Meal benefit applications are processed in the order that they are received. If you have not received a letter from our office providing you with this information, you should continue to pay for you child’s lunch. Any meals consumed prior to approval of meal benefits are the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Q: My child receives meal benefits. What are they entitled to?
A: With meal benefits, your child receives one reimbursable school meal for breakfast (if served at your school) and one reimbursable school meal for lunch. If they would like additional meals, ala carte items, snacks, juice or milk, they may purchase those at the published price.
Q: My child is spending too much money each day. Can I put a restriction on their account?
A: Certainly, simply fax, e-mail or mail your request in writing to the Food Service Department, and we will implement the restriction within 24 hours of receipt.
Q: What is the ID card policy at the Middle and High School?
A: All High School and Middle School students who wish to purchase food in the cafeteria MUST present their student ID card or key in their student ID number on the pin pad. This includes students who receive free or reduced meal benefits. In order to prevent overt identification of our meal benefit students, all secondary students must use their ID card or pin pad ID entry to purchase any food items from the cafeteria.
Q: My child forgot or has run out of money for lunch, will they still be able to eat lunch?
A: Students may charge a reimbursable school lunch should they forget their money. A la carte items are not permitted to be charged. However, a student who is more than $4.60 (2 lunches) in debt will not be allowed to charge a lunch until they have their balance paid in full. During the last two weeks of school, charging of lunches will not be permitted.
Q: What is a Balanced Choice Meal?
A: This is our signature comprehensive wellness program, teaching students and the school community how to make sound choices for a healthy lifestyle. This award-winning program provides nutrition education and a meal guidance system for students which assist them in making the most nutritious options when selecting meals, snacks, and beverages at school. Each meal selection meets precise nutrition criteria and incorporates more whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and low-fat options into the menu.