Food Service

Great news! We’ve received a Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Award from Action for Healthy Kids and USDA for our innovative strategies that provide nutritious school meals. We’re very proud of our staff who have been working hard to earn this recognition! Learn more about the HMI Recognition Awards at https://healthymealsincentives.org/recognition-awards/



Zeeland Public Schools will be providing breakfast and lunch to all students for free this school year (2024-25) due to legislation passed in the state of Michigan.

We highly encourage all families to still complete an application for Summer EBT and Education Benefits with the Michigan School Meals Program.  If you would like to apply for the current school year, please go to https://zeeland.familyportal.cloud or see below (Meal Application/Forms) for additional information.

While it is our intention to serve the posted menu each day at every school, supply issues can make this a challenge sometimes.  We will always attempt to substitute the scheduled menu item with another that is as similar as possible to the extent we are able to do so.

Please know that we will always provide wholesome meals each and everyday.


Zeeland Public Schools uses a menu app called My School Menus.  It is now available for you to download in the App Store or Google Play. 


Online Menus (Includes Nutrition & Allergen Information) are available by going to https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/727/district/731  and selecting the school and menu you want to view.


OCTOBER

ECC

Borculo Christian

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Menus are rapidly changing due to availability of items, therefore we may have occasional differences. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. Please feel free to email us at foodservice@zps.org with any questions or concerns.


Gluten-Free Menu

(You must have a Special Diet Statement Form on file to order this option)

BREAKFAST

  • Monday - Van's Gluten-Free Waffle
  • Tuesday - Rice Chex Cereal
  • Wednesday - Berry Breakfast Parfait
  • Thursday - Rice Chex Cereal
  • Friday - Van's Gluten-Free Waffle

LUNCH

  • Monday - Hamburger or Cheeseburger on a Gluten-Free Bun
  • Tuesday - Nachos (Corn Tortilla Chips w/ Seasoned Gluten-Free Beef & Cheese)
  • Wednesday - Chicken  Nuggets or Strips w/ Corn Tortilla Chips
  • Thursday - Ham or Turkey & Cheese Sandwich on a Gluten-Free Bun
  • Friday - Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza Stuffer


At the middle and high schools, we serve more options and have the ability to customize meals depending on the menu.  Please have your student talk to the cook at their building about what options they might have.

Note: The window for applications for the 24/25 school year begins on July 1, 2024.

If your child has a food allergy or medical condition requiring a special diet, and you would like to request accommodations, please complete and submit the form linked below.  The form must be completely filled out and signed by your doctor.  If you have questions, please contact the ZPS Registered Dietitian, Jordyn Rademacher, at jrademacher@zps.org.

Additional forms (school use only):

Contact Noah Overweg at 616-748-3141 with any questions regarding Field Trip Sack Lunches

If you have any questions concerning our food nutrition guidelines, please contact us at foodservice@zps.org.

                                                                                         last updated 08/14/24

Lunch Accounts

You may send money to school by check (made out to: ZPS Food Service) or cash.  Deposit envelopes can be obtained from your school office or you may use your own.  Please include student(s) first and last name, amount of deposit, check number if applicable, & school name(s).  If you would like to mail in your payment, you can send a check to: Food Service Department, 3333-96th Ave, Zeeland MI  49464.  Please note that you will be charged a $20.00 fee if your check is returned to us as non sufficient funds (NSF).

Lunch Accounts can be accessed online. You may access your student lunch accounts on https://zeeland.familyportal.cloud.  As of June 1, 2022 this is a new site with our provider (Meal Magic).  You will need to register the first time you access this site and create your log in info.  If you previously had accounts set up on sendmoneytoschool.com it should automatically transfer once you have registered.  If you need any assistance, feel free to email us at foodservice@zps.org.

Leftover funds on student accounts at the end of the school year will be carried over to the next year.  If your student is graduating or leaving the district, monies left over can be transferred to sibling accounts or you can request a refund by emailing us at foodservice@zps.org

If requesting a refund, please include:

Student Name
 Parent name to write check to
 Address
 City, State, Zip
 Phone Number

If requesting a transfer, please include:

Student full names with amounts to transfer to and from
 School(s) attending this year

Our talented food service staff provides an array of Type A Meals. A complete a la carte menu is also available. This year school breakfast and lunch will be provided free to all students.  The cost of a carton of milk purchased without a meal is .60 cents.  Please read under information below to learn more details on this.

Both East and West High Schools also have a C-Store, an option for a convenient and healthy snack or meal throughout the day. C-Store hours are 7am – 3pm. Items may include fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, whole grain or baked smart snacks, along with hot and cold beverage options.

More than 4,000 students in grades K-12 use the district’s food service program daily.

Individuals without internet access may feel free to contact the Food Service Office, 616-748-3128 for assistance.

Contact our Food Service Director Sarah Stone at 616-748-3126 or email sstone@zps.org

2024-2025


EAST & WEST HIGH SCHOOLS

Breakfast Serving Time - 7:15 am - 10:00 am

Lunch Serving Times

Even Days (M/W/F):                                                       

1st Lunch: 11:19 am - 11:49 am              

2nd Lunch:  12:16 pm - 12:46 pm              

Odd Days (T/TH):

1st Lunch:  10:55 am - 11:25 am

2nd Lunch:  12:00 pm - 12:30 pm


CITYSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Breakfast Serving Time - 7:15 am -7:35 am 

Lunch Serving Times

1st Lunch (7TH GRADE): 11:05am-11:35am

2nd Lunch (8TH GRADE): 11:35am-12:05pm

3rd Lunch (6TH GRADE): 12:05pm-12:35pm


CREEKSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Breakfast Serving Time - 7:10 am - 7:35 am

Lunch Serving Times

1st Lunch (7TH GRADE): 11:05 am -11:35 am

2nd Lunch (8TH GRADE): 11:35 am -12:05 pm

3rd Lunch (6TH GRADE + ZQuest): 12:05 pm -12:35 pm


Adams

Zkids breakfast - 8:10 am

Breakfast Serving Time - 8:20 am - 8:40 am

Y5 lunch: 12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

Kindergarten lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

1st grade lunch: 12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

2nd grade lunch: 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

3rd grade lunch: 12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

4th grade lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:20 pm

5th grade lunch: 12:20 pm - 12:40 pm


LINCOLN

Breakfast - 8:20 am - 8:40 am

Kindergarten lunch: 11:50 pm - 12:10 pm

1st Grade lunch: 11:50 pm - 12:10 pm

2nd Grade lunch:  12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

3rd Grade lunch:  12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

4th Grade lunch:  12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

5th Grade lunch:  12:30 pm - 12:50 pm


New Groningen

Breakfast Serving Time -  8:25 am - 8:40 am

Y5 lunch: 12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

Kindergarten lunch: 11:55 am - 12:15 pm pm

1st grade lunch: 11:50 am - 12:10 pm

2nd grade lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

3rd grade lunch: 12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

4th grade lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

5th grade lunch: 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm


QUINCY

Z-Kids Breakfast - 8:00 am - 8:10 am

Breakfast Serving Time - 8:25 am - 8:40 am

Y5 lunch: 12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Kindergarten lunch: 11:50 am - 12:10 pm

1st grade lunch: 12:35 pm - 12:55 pm

2nd grade lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

3rd grade lunch: 11:50 am - 12:10 pm

4th grade lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

5th grade lunch: 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm


ROOSEVELT

Breakfast Serving Time - 8:25 am - 8:40 am

Y5 Lunch: 12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Kindergarten lunch: 11:45 pm - 12:10 pm

1st/5th grade lunch: 12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

2nd grade lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:30 pm

3rd grade lunch: 12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

4th grade lunch: 12:00 pm - 12:20 pm

ZQ 1st/2nd grade lunch: 12:20 pm - 12:40 pm

ZQ 3rd grade lunch: 12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

ZQ Kindergarten /4th/5th grade lunch: 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm


WOODBRIDGE

Z-Kids Breakfast 8:00 am

Student Breakfast - 8:25 am - 8:40 am

Y5 lunch: 12:05 pm - 12:20 pm

Kindergarten lunch: 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm

1st grade lunch: 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm

2nd Grade lunch: 12:35 pm - 12:50 pm

3rd grade lunch: 12:55 pm - 1:10 pm

4th Grade lunch: 12:25 pm  - 12:40 pm

5th Grade lunch: 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm


*updated 9/19/24

2024-2025 School Year


The child nutrition food service department recognizes the importance of a healthy diet and its impact on the student’s ability to learn and achieve high academic standards in the school setting. We look forward to providing your children with another year of nutritious and tasty school meals.  We hope to encourage your child to take part in the breakfast and lunch programs on a regular basis.  This school year we will be offering qualifying complete meals free to all students.  A student may take one complete breakfast and one complete lunch each day for free.  Milk ONLY is $.60.  If a child takes milk ONLY they will be charged. It does NOT qualify as a complete meal, and it is considered a la carte.  Students MUST have money in their account to take a la carte items.  Per the MDE, no accounts can be charged for a la carte items if they do not have money in them.


We would like to take this opportunity to explain our program to you.   


School Breakfast:   Breakfast is available at all Zeeland Public Schools before school starts in the cafeteria.  We serve a variety of cold and hot choices along with 100% juice and fresh fruit and vegetables.


School Lunches:  School meals are carefully planned and prepared to meet not only strict government guidelines, but also the taste of our customers. Several options for the school meals are available daily.  


State Requirements: The state of Michigan requires children to have a complete meal.  There are five components offered to make up a “complete meal” - protein, grain, fruits, vegetables, and milk.  For Lunch, three of the five components are necessary (and one of them MUST be ½ cup of fruit or vegetable) in order for it to qualify as a complete meal and beconsidered for a free meal.Breakfast requires students to take three of the four components offered (one needing to be a ½ cup fruit). If a child takes milk only, they will be charged 60 cents as it alone is NOT free.  If a child purchases extra entrees or a la carte items, they will be charged accordingly. (extra entree $2.00, milk $.60, etc.)  A child must have money in their account to purchase any a la carte items per the MDE. 


Payment and Meal Accounts:Every student is automatically set up with their own lunch account.  You, the parent, are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your child has money in their account. Questions concerning your child’s account may be directed to our office staff at 616-748-3128. Payments can be made online or by sending cash or a check with your child to their school.  Any funds in your child’s account will follow them from one grade to the next.

Online Deposits: You may visit our website: zeeland.familyportal.cloud to make a deposit.  If you need assistance with your account, you may call 616-748-3128 or send an email to foodservice@zps.org.   Please note that we can NOT take deposits over the phone.

Child Nutrition and Education Benefits (Free or Reduced School Meals) Applications:Completing a Child Nutrition and Education Benefits application is about more than just meals.  We strongly encourage every household to complete an application every year.  The information collected helps determine the funding needs of each school and throughout ZPS.  Just by completing an application, families can help ensure schools receive more of the funds they need to support students.  Other benefits are also determined from the status of these applications (Rec discounts, Testing prices, etc.)  After July 1, 2024, you will be able to fill out the application for Child Nutrition and Education Benefits online at zeeland.familyportal.cloud.  If you do not have internet access or you feel more comfortable filling out the paper copy, the application is included in this packet.  (Aplicaciónes para el almuerzo gratis y reducido estan disponibles en español. Si usted prefiere una forma en español por favor llame al número 616-748-3128.) A new application must be completed every school year.  Only one application per family is needed.  Therefore, you need to submit either an online application or a paper application.  Please take a moment to check over your application.  Please make sure you follow directions carefully as failure to do so may cause delays in the final approval process. This information is highly confidential and treated with the utmost respect. You will be notified by email (if provided) or U.S. mail of your status after we receive your application.  Please allow up 10 days for us to process your application.  Applications are processed in the order they are received.

Menus:   Our current menus are available on our website at www.zps.org/parents/food-service.  You can also download our menu app “My School Menus” on your smartphone or tablet.


Parental Blocks:   At the secondary level, we offer extra a la carte items.  If you would prefer your child not be allowed to purchase these items, you can use parental controls on zeeland.familyportal.cloudor call us at 616-748-3128.

Allergies/Special Dietary Needs:The Special Diet Statement Form MUST be completed and signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. If students have a disability or a life-threatening medical condition, we will comply with the request.   We will try to accommodate a reasonable request from students without a medical disability. The Special Diet Statement Form can be located on our website: https://www.zps.org/about-us/food-service/ under Meal Applications/Forms.   Please turn in the completed form to the Food Service Department.  If you have any questions, please contact Jordyn Rademacher, MS, RDN (E: jrademacher@zps.org; P: (616) 748-4709).


Low Balance Emails:   Low balance emails can be set up by parents that want to receive notifications.  Once logged in to their family portal account at zeeland.familyportal.cloud., they click on the notifications button, check the box to indicate that you want to receive low balance reminders, and set a dollar amount indicating when to get notified.   When your student’s balance is at or below the amount you indicate, an email will be sent.



Para ver esta información en español, haga clic aquí                                                                                          

                                                                                           last updated  7/1/2024

Summer EBT is coming to Michigan!

The United States Department of Agriculture has approved a permanent Summer EBT program for eligible students. 

Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase: 

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Other foods (such as snack foods and non-alcoholic foods)

To receive the Summer EBT benefit, every family must have an approved student eligibility benefit (free or reduced) through their school.  Households may need to complete and submit the School Meals and Summer EBT Application.   Click on the "Meal Applications/Forms" tab to complete this form.

FAMILIES WILL NEED TO TURN IN THIS FORM AHEAD OF COUNT DAY TO RECEIVE BENEFITS OVER THE SUMMER.  COUNT DAY WILL BE FEBRUARY 14, 2024.

Click here for more information and requirements for Summer EBT. 

 

The Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program has officially ended. Any questions about P-EBT should be forwarded to the MDHHS P-EBT Helpdesk at 833-905-0028.

 

Click below to locate sites offering free meals for children 18 and under:

Meet up and eat up

                                                                                             last updated 2/9/24

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

email: program.intake@usda.gov

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Zeeland Public Schools Wellness Policy

Adopted: August 21, 2006 

Last Revised: July 1, 2024

WELLNESS

 As required by law, the Board of Education establishes the following wellness policy for the Zeeland Public School District. The Board recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity affect the health and well-being of the District's students.

Furthermore, research concludes that there is a positive correlation between a student's health and well-being and his/her ability to learn. Moreover, schools can play an important role in the developmental process by which students establish their health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks through the schools' meal programs, by supporting the development of good eating habits, and by promoting increased physical activity both in and out of school.

The Board, however, believes this effort to support the students' development of healthy behaviors and habits with regard to eating and exercise cannot be accomplished by the schools alone. It will be necessary for not only the staff, but also parents and the public at large to be involved in a community-wide effort to promote, support, and model such healthy behaviors and habits.

The Board sets the following goals in an effort to enable students to establish good health and nutrition habits:

  1. With regard to nutrition education, the District shall be integrated into other subject areas of the curriculum, when appropriate, to complement, but not replace, the standards and benchmarks for health education. Every year, all students, Pre-K-12, shall receive nutrition education that is aligned with the Michigan Health Education Grade Level Content Expectations and the Michigan Merit Curriculum Guidelines for Health Education.  Nutrition education that teaches the knowledge, skills and values needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors shall be integrated into the curriculum.  Nutrition education information shall be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, cafe, classrooms and school stores.   

  1. With regard to physical activity, the District shall:

    1. Physical Education

      1. Provide a sequential, comprehensive physical education program for students in K-12 in accordance with the standards and benchmarks established by the State.

      2. Provide sequential instruction related to the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate in lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity.

    2. Physical Activity

      1. Physical activity and movement shall be integrated, when possible, across the curricula and throughout the school day such as brain breaks, opportunities for classroom seating arrangements that allow for movement, and responding to instruction physically.

  1. With regard to other school-based activities:
     
    Free drinking water shall be available to students during designated meal times and may be available throughout the school day.

    1. The schools shall schedule mealtimes so there is minimum disruption by bus schedules, recess, and other special programs or events.

    2. The school shall provide attractive, clean environments in which the students eat.

Furthermore, with the objectives of enhancing student health and well being, and reducing childhood obesity, the following guidelines are established:

  1. In accordance with AR-2007, entitled Food Service, the food service program shall comply with Federal and State regulations pertaining to the selection, preparation, consumption, and disposal of food and beverages, including but not limited to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, as well as to the fiscal management of the program.

  2. As set forth in AR-5008, entitled Free and Reduced Price Meals, the guidelines for reimbursable school meals are not less restrictive than the guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
     
    The sale of foods of minimal nutritional value in the food service area during the lunch period is prohibited.

  3. The sale of foods and beverages to students that do not meet the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards to be consumed on the school campus during the school day is prohibited.

  4. All food items and beverages available for sale to students for consumption on the school campus (any area of property under the jurisdiction of the school that is accessible to students during the school day) between midnight and thirty (30) minutes after the close of the regular school day shall comply with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, including, but not limited to, competitive foods that are available to students a la carte or as entrees in the dining area (except entree items that were offered on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) menu on the day of and the day after they are offered on the NSLP or SBP menu), as well as food items and beverages from vending machines, from school stores, or as fund-raisers, including those operated by student clubs and organizations, parent groups, or boosters clubs.

  5. All foods offered on the school campus during the school day shall comply with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including competitive foods that are available to students a la carte in the dining area or from vending machines.

  6. All food and beverages that are provided, other than through sale, on the school campus during the school day (which may include classroom snacks, for classroom parties, and at holiday celebrations) shall comply with the food and beverage standards approved by the Superintendent or building principal.

  7. With regard to mental health, ZPS has adopted a social-emotional curriculum to provide students with awareness and strategies to support them with healthy relationships and decisions.

The Board designates the School District’s Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum as the individual(s) charged with operational responsibility for verifying that the District meets the goals established in this policy.

The Superintendent (or designee) has appointed a District Wellness Committee that includes parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, educational staff (including health and physical education teachers), mental health and social services staff, school health professionals, members of the public, and school administrators to oversee development, implementation, evaluation and periodic update of the wellness policy. The Wellness Committee shall be an ad hoc committee with members recruited and chosen annually.  

Contact
Anyone wishing to discuss the ZPS Wellness Policy may email either Sarah Stone, ZPS Food Service Director or Jon Voss, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.



Money on student accounts at the end of the school year will be carried over to the next year. If graduating, left over funds can be transferred to sibling accounts or you can request a refund of balances over $5.00 by emailing us at foodservice@zps.org.

Balances under $5.00 for seniors only can be picked up during lunch times in the cafeteria at the end of the school year.

If requesting a refund, please include:

Student Name
Parent name to write check to
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number

If requesting a transfer, please include:

Student full names
School(s) attending this year


On Call Food Service Sub Position Openings:  If you are looking for a part time job that is during the school hours and like work around students then this is for YOU!
This is a great opportunity to learn about food service and can possibly lead to a permanent position when one opens. If interested, please apply online!