Plainwell Community Schools - 2022/23 Food Service  - Meal Charge Policy

Meal Charge Policy

Background:
According to the USDA National School and Breakfast regulations, school districts are not obligated to provide meals, nor extend credit, to any student unable to pay for meals. However, Plainwell Community Schools realizes the need to provide meals to students so they are prepared to learn. It is also recognized that the provision of meals must be handled in a fiscally responsible manner. Upon enrollment, all students have a food service account created to properly account for each meal or items purchased. This account also serves to track positive and negative balances.

Do not forget to fill out your 2022-2023 Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Please fill out a Free and Reduced Meal Family Application at https://plainwell.familyportal.cloud under the "Apply for Benefits" button. Free and Reduced Applications are also available in the office of all PCS buildings.

Student account balances, for all grade levels, shall be set at a level not to exceed -$25.00 for all meals served.

Plainwell Elementary Schools:
Once a student’s account balance reaches or exceeds -$25.00, an alternative meal will be provided at no charge to the student. The alternative meal provided will consist of a cheese sandwich, salad bar and milk. After 10 consecutive days of receiving alternative meals the student will be denied meal service.

Plainwell Middle School:
Once a student’s account balance reaches or exceeds -$25.00, an alternative meal will be provided at no charge to the student. The alternative meal provided will consist of a cheese sandwich, salad bar and milk. After 10 consecutive days of receiving alternative meals the student will be denied meal service.

Plainwell High School:
Once a student’s account balance reaches or exceeds -$25.00, a substitute meal will NOT be provided and the student will be denied meal service.

All Plainwell Community Schools:

  • The alternative meal consists of a cheese sandwich, salad bar, and white milk.
  • At no time will any student be allowed to charge snack or ala carte items to a negative account.
  • Breakfast meals shall be allowed for charging, and applied towards the charge limit, but alternative meals will not be provided.

Account Balances:
Account Balances are available for review, at any time, using our automated web service by visiting, https://plainwell.familyportal.cloud. If you have not already registered for this service, you will need an active email account and the student ID numbers for each student you intend to register, prior to completing the registration process. 

Note: If a parent/guardian would like to receive a regularly scheduled email documenting the student’s account balance, please contact the Food Service Department via phone or email.   If a parent/guardian has any questions or concerns about the status of their child’s account balance, please contact the Food Service Department.

Food Service Department Contact:

Michael Ritsema (Food Service Director )

O: (269)-685-2097 

E: michael.ritsema@plainwellschools.org