We're excited to introduce Chartwells as the new food service provider for Thornapple Kellogg schools. At Chartwell's it is our privilege to serve students daily with a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Throughout the year, we'll roll out new menu options, gather feedback, and make improvements to enhance the dining experience. Here’s a quick look at what you and your child can expect, including what’s available in the cafeteria, meal pricing details, how to apply for free or reduced-price meals, our approach to managing food allergies (including required documentation), and a preview of the new recipes, meal concepts, and programs launching this fall.
🍽️ Delicious, Nutritious Foods Kids Love
Our team of chefs and dietitians at Chartwells is introducing even more variety to our menus this year, featuring new kid-approved recipes and continuing to offer consistent favorites. All items served meet USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Smart Snack guidelines.
- In our K-3 schools, students can choose from three entrees daily and four choices daily in our 4-5 school, including a hot vegetarian option. Meals come with low-fat white or flavored milk and a variety of fresh and prepared fruits and vegetables.
- In middle and high schools, students will have five entrée station options each day, also including vegetarian selections, plus fruits, vegetables, and milk.
- A la carte items like bottled drinks and packaged snacks will be available for purchase at middle and high school locations.
🆕 This year’s NEW featured menu highlights include:
- Pizza Daze: A celebration of everyone’s favorite slice, Pizza Daze is a limited-time campaign bringing students together with craveable classics and creative spins that make every lunch feel like a win!
- Nutrition: Game On: This fall, elementary students will experience our brand-new nutrition education program designed to make healthy habits fun, engaging, and meaningful! Nutrition: Game On turns nutrition education into a year-long adventure where learning about food feels more like a game than a lesson. Each month, students will embark on a new themed “mission” that explores food, movement, and healthy choices through storytelling, activities, and experiences in the cafeteria.
School meals are a reliable way to ensure students get nutritious, balanced meals while reducing food waste and easing the burden of rising grocery costs on families.
🆓 Free Meals for All Students!
For the 2026-27 school year, Michigan has authorized universal free meals for all students. This means that students can enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost for the entire school year. However, we still encourage families to complete the free and reduced-price meal application. Submit your application online at https://thornapple.familyportal.cloud/ or in person at your school office.
💳Adding Funds to Student Accounts
While school meals are free for all students this year, kids still have the opportunity to purchase additional retail and à la carte items in the cafeteria. Please be sure to add funds to your student’s account using the family portal. (https://thornapple.familyportal.cloud/ )
⚠️Food Allergies & Special Dietary Needs
We are committed to safely supporting students with food allergies or medical dietary needs. Our approach includes collaboration among families, school nurses, administrators, and food service staff.
To request a meal accommodation:
- Submit a Medical Statement signed by a licensed medical provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner).
- The statement must include:
- Information about the child’s impairment that is sufficient for understanding how it restricts the child’s diet,
- An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the child’s disability, and
- If appropriate, the food(s) to be omitted, texture modifications, and recommended substitutions.
Request the form from Monica Collier, Director of Dining Services at [email protected]
🎉 Programs that Encourage Fun and Discovery
We’re making school meals fun and educational with programs that promote discovery and lifelong healthy habits:
- Nutrition: Game On: Our newest program turns nutrition education into a year-long adventure where learning about food feels more like a game than a lesson.
- Global Eats: Explore cuisines from China, India, Italy, Mexico, Korea, and the Caribbean.
- Discovery Kitchen: Monthly themes get students cooking, tasting, and learning about nutrition.
- Mood Boost: Connects food and feelings for K-8 students using characters and mood-based meals.
- Student Choice: Middle and high school students help shape menus and bring trending food concepts to school.
- Power Up: Teaching students how to stay energized and hydrated for whatever the day may bring, with recipes featuring a variety of nutritious, macro-rich ingredients.
📱 Menus and Nutrition at Your Fingertips
Stay informed with Nutrislice, a free app that provides menus, nutrition info, allergen details, and photos. Download from the App Store or Google Play, or visit https://tkschools.nutrislice.com.
Note: Product substitutions may occur that affect allergens or nutritional content. If substitutions are made, meals may differ from posted menus to ensure safety. While we strive to update Nutrislice in real time, it’s best to check directly with the cafeteria manager for allergy-related questions. Please remind your child to speak with the cafeteria staff about any food concerns.
👩🍳 Celebrating Our School Lunch Heroes
Our cafeteria staff is a constant source of support for students throughout their school years. These dedicated team members work hard every day to make mealtimes nutritious and enjoyable.
Monica Collier is the Director of Dining Services for Thornapple Kellogg Schools. She has served 20 years in food service, the last nine serving K-12 students working for Chartwells.
"II am incredibly honored to have been recognized as the School Nutrition Association of Michigan Director of the Year in 2023 and as a No Kid Hungry Breakfast Hero in 2021. While those awards mean a great deal to me, my greatest accomplishment is knowing the work my team and I do helps students feel welcomed, nourished, and ready to learn each day. That purpose continues to inspire me and is why I love serving school communities."