Food Services
Healthy Meals. Healthy Minds.
Pickerington Schools Food Services is made up of dedicated child nutrition professionals focused on supporting our children's education one meal at a time! Feeding students healthy, nutritious food is key to their learning. A nutritious breakfast and healthy lunch nourishes the body, improves brain function, and allows children to concentrate on schoolwork. This is our recipe for success!
Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served in Pickerington Schools meet state and federal requirements based on U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with healthy and fun food options, including salad bars and fresh-made pizza.
Icons - Horizontal - Client Enablement Consultant
- Easy Ways to Pay for Meals
- Special Meal Accommodations
- Non-Discrimination Statement
- SUN Bucks
- Pre Payment Options
- Nutrition and Fitness
- Nutrition Education
- Wellness Policy
Easy Ways to Pay for Meals
- For the quickest way to pay, visit https://plsd.familyportal.cloud/ You may use a credit card, debit card, or checking account to add funds to your learner's Cafeteria Account. Account setup is free and allows daily purchase history as well as AutoPay.
- Mail a check to Pickerington Food Service Department, 90 North East St., Pickerington, OH 43147. Include your child's name and student identification number on the check.
- Give a check or cash to the Food Service Cashier. Write the check to: Pickerington Food Service Department and include your child's name and student identification number on the check.
Special Meal Accommodations
MEAL SUBSTITUTIONS FOR MEDICAL OR SPECIAL DIETARY REASONS
Some children have special nutritional, dietary and feeding needs, including allergies and other dietary restrictions. Parents of children with special dietary needs should fill out the Special Diet Accommodation Form, and submit it to their school.
Some menu items may contain potential allergens. If you have a question concerning a food item, please call our office at 614-833-3645 for ingredient listings.
USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.
In Cases of Food Allergy
Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made. Parents of children with intolerances please fill out the form.
School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies, but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.
Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs
Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority. The Medical Statement must include:
- An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet;
- The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet; and
- The food or choice of foods to be substituted.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: program.intake@usda.gov
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SUN Bucks
This summer, Ohio is offering a new program called 2025 Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) to help families buy food when school is out. If your household income is below 185% of the federal poverty level, your child may be eligible for this benefit.
How It Works:
- Each eligible child will receive a one-time $120 payment on a benefit card mailed to you.
- The card can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other approved locations.
- If you receive more than $120 per child, do not use the extra benefits and call 1-866-244-0071, option 1 to report the error.
How to Apply:
- Apply online at sebt.ohio.gov by August 16 to receive benefits.
- You will need to provide your child’s name, school, date of birth, household members, household income, and mailing address.
- You do not need to provide documents when applying, but you may be asked to verify your information.
- This program will not affect your family’s immigration status.
Other Free Summer Meal Options:
Children under 18 can also receive free summer meals at meal sites near you. Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or text 914-342-7744 with the keyword “summer meals” to find a location.
If you have questions, contact the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-866-244-0071, option 1
Pre Payment Options
Pre-Payment Options
Please take advantage of the options to prepay your student's meal accounts. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives students more time to eat, relax, and play. It also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry about looking for lunch money every day or worry that it might get lost, stolen or used for other things other than lunch.
If you don’t have an account yet
If you do not currently have a My Payments Plus account, take a moment and create a free account at https://plsd.familyportal.cloud/ Obtaining a free parent account will give you 24/7 access to information such as the balance in your student’s school meal account and record of what they have purchased in the cafeteria.
Place money on your lunch account
Go yo https://plsd.familyportal.cloud/
If you prefer auto-payments, you have that ability as well. The system will even allow you to set the parameters for when you would like an auto-payment to take place.
We also accept checks for meal payments
Pickerington Schools also accepts checks for payment of meals. Make checks payable to Pickerington Food Service Department. Please include the child’s name and ID# on the check.
If you have submitted a Free and Reduced Application once it is processed, you will receive an email from "Solana" with eligibility.
What Happens When the Account Has a Negative Balance?
Negative balance notices are emailed at a minimum of one time per week. These are for charges that occurred prior to the 2024-2025 school year. Balances may also be checked at any time at https://plsd.familyportal.cloud/ or by calling the Food Service Office at 614-833-3645. You will need your student’s pin/ ID number to check balances.
Pickerington Schools also accepts checks and cash for payment of ala carte / extra items. Make checks payable to Pickerington Food Service Department. Please include child’s name and ID# on the check.
No extra items may be charged. Parents are strongly encouraged to pay off negative balances as they appear on their child's account.
Send Check or Cash
You can always bring money personally or send it with your student. Please place it in an envelope marked clearly with your student's name, their ID #, their teacher's name, the $ amount and the check #. Turn in prepaid deposits to the cafeteria cashier(s) or school office.
Download and Print Out a pre-formatted #10 Envelope for making Deposits
If you choose to bring money to school personally or send it with your student, please put it in an envelope clearly marked with the student's first and last name, their ID #, their teacher's name, and the amount enclosed.
Nutrition and Fitness
Nutrition and Fitness
The winning recipe for a healthy lifestyle includes a combination of both good nutrition and physical activity. Your body needs a variety of nutrient rich foods to grow and prevent illness. And your body also needs to move and exercise every day.
Key things you need to know about leading a healthy lifestyle are:
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grain products
- Control portion sizes and never "supersize"
- Get active for at least 60 minutes, five times a week for ages 6-18
- Avoid tobacco and illegal drugs all together
Well-nourished students have higher test scores, increased school attendance, improved concentration, and improved classroom behavior. Students, who are physically fit, sleep better and are better able to handle the physical and emotional challenges that they encounter during the day.
Nutrition
Good nutrition leads to great academic performance
Your body needs healthy fuel to perform, to grow and to ward off illness and disease. Would you feed a million dollar racehorse junk food & soda? Of course not, so think about what you eat...because you are worth far more than a horse!
Good nutrition has a positive and direct impact on your ability to do well in school. When your nutritional needs are met, you have the cognitive energy to learn and achieve. You will be better prepared to learn, more likely to attend school, and are more apt to take advantage of learning opportunities.
Protein – Choose a variety of foods with lean protein
Protein is an indispensable nutrient and can be found throughout every tissue in our body. Protein is a vital source of energy but the most important function of protein is building and repairing tissue. We also need protein for our immune function, proteins transport vitamins and minerals throughout our body.
Grains – Make half of all the grains you eat whole grains
Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. Dietary fiber from whole grains, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including several B vitamins, magnesium and selenium.
Vegetables - Make at least half of your plate fruits and vegetables
Eating vegetables provides health benefits — people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.
Fruits – Make at least half of your plate fruits and vegetables
Eating fruit provides health benefits — people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.
Dairy – Always choose fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
Milk and dairy products are especially important to bone health during school aged years, when bone mass is being built. It provides important sources of calcium, potassium and vitamin D, and help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and help to lower blood pressure in adults.
Sports Nutrition
School aged athletes need to energize their bodies with good nutrition if they hope to perform their at their best. Whether it's playing football, swimming or jogging, athletes need to eat a nutritious, balanced diet to fuel their body. Good nutrition, like any sporting event, has basic ground rules and nothing affects your ability to compete more than good nutrition.
Eating the right foods helps you stay physically fit and reach your optimum performance. To reach your highest potential and maintain a winning edge, all of your body systems must be perfectly tuned using proper nutrition.
Eat a variety of Healthy Foods and stay Hydrated. The young bodies of student athletes are still growing. It is important to nourish that growth and fuel the demands of strenuous exercise and organized sports.
That translates into eating a variety of foods every day - grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meats, and low fat dairy products. The base of the diet should come from carbohydrates in the form of starches and sugars. Fluids, especially water, are also important to the winning combination. Dehydration can stop even the finest athlete from playing his or her best game.
Eat enough Energy, Protein, Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber.
- Choose lots of brightly colored Fruits and Vegetables.
- Get plenty of Calcium. Calcium helps build healthy bones.
- Iron is important. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron-rich foods include red meat, chicken, tuna, salmon, eggs, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.
- Protein for strength. Protein can help build muscles, along with regular training and exercise. Protein-rich foods include fish, lean red meat and poultry, dairy products, nuts, soy products, and peanut butter.
- Smart Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates or "carbs" provide energy for the body and are an important source of fuel for young athletics. However, there is no need for "carb loading" before a big game. Choose carbohydrates in whole-grain foods that are less processed and high in fiber, like pasta, brown rice, whole-grain bread, and cereal. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol and may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.
- Water, and staying properly hydrated, is key to an athlete’s success.
Without the right foods, even physical conditioning and expert coaching aren't enough to push you to be your best.Good nutrition must be a key part of your training program for you to succeed.
Fitness
60 Minutes of Activity a Day...do it for life!
Fit "Fitness" into your busy day - It is important to your health and success. Whether it is walking the dog, running, or riding a bike... make physical activity one of the healthy habits in your daily life.
Get out and get active - limit sedentary activities. Student's lifestyles today are very different from their parents'. TV, video games, texting and online social networks are now replacing the neighborhood kickball game. Kids and teens are spending more time sitting and less time running, jumping and playing. Commit to staying active.
What are the Benefits? Students who are physically fit will...
- Find it easier to maintain a healthy weight
- Sleep better
- Have higher self-esteem and self-confidence
- Be more attentive in class and perform better in school
- Have proper growth with stronger bones, muscles, and joints
- Feel less stressed
- Reduce their risk of chronic disease
- Decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Have lower blood pressure
- Have lower LDL "bad" blood cholesterol levels, and raise HDL "good" cholesterol levels
- Feel happier and have a better outlook on life!
More on Fitness
Nutrition Education
Nutrition is for Everyone
Proper nutrition in the school age years can reinforce lifelong eating habits that contribute to a student's overall well being. This will help them to grow and learn to their fullest potential... and then go on to lead a long healthy life.
Nutrition for Students is Fun!
Nutrition for Students is Fun!
| Your body needs nutritious foods to grow and stay healthy, so make sure you take care of your body by eating the right food and getting plenty of exercise. Whether you are grabbing breakfast before school or choosing a snack after sports practice, now is time to start learning to make healthy choices. Your body and brain need healthy fuel to perform, to learn, to grow, and to ward off illness and disease. You will look better, feel better and do better in school and at play. Develop the healthy eating habits today that will last a lifetime. Eat a balanced diet from each of the 5 food groups everyday... Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk and Meat & Beans... and go light on the junk! Test Your Skill at these Fun Nutrition and Fitness Games
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Nutrition for Teachers
Nutrition for Teachers!
Students must be healthy to learn...
but they also need to learn to be healthy.
We encourage and support health and nutrition education in the classroom. Teaching nutrition to students will help them to grow and learn to their fullest potential and we believe it is the key to promoting lifelong health and wellness. Nutrition Education establishes the basic skills for making healthy eating and lifestyle choices that will carry them into adulthood.
Our school’s breakfast and lunch programs help students to establish the healthy eating habits that they need to grow, learn and play. School lunches contain 1/3 of the recommended daily nutrient allowance and school meals include nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium rich low fat milk.
Nutrition Resource Materials for the Classroom |
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| Guide to Good Eating |  |
| Tips for Teachers - Physical Activity | |
Lesson plans by SuperKids Nutrition Founder, Registered Dietitian, and Creator of the Super Crew®, Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RD CDE
Activities for Pre-K and Kindergarten |
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| Picture to Letter Matching | Andy's Super Foods! | Penny's Speed Race |
Power Point Nutrition Lessons |
Learn to Read a Nutrition Label |
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| Integrating Nutrition and Fitness into Curriculum | Click on the "Label Guy" icon and download a complete lesson from the USDA on how to read a Nutrition Label. |  |
| Learning about Trans Fat | ||
| 5 a Day the Color Way with Fruits and Veggies | ||
| Learning about Whole Grains | ||
| Learning about Disease Prevention | ||
Focus On Girl's Health |
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| Girl's Health Focus - Calcium | Calcium and Bone Health Worksheet |
| Girl's Health Focus - Iron | Iron Health Worksheet |
| Girl's Health Focus - Get Active | |
Nutrition for Parents
We have put together some learning tools and resources to help you promote fitness and nutrition at home. We want to help you to encourage and reinforce lifelong nutrition and fitness practices that will support healthy lifestyles for you and your kids. Click the Nutrition at Home link to the left to learn more.
Wellness Policy
Our District has developed a Wellness Policy that is focused on improving the health of students. The policy was developed by the health and wellness advisory council that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and the district nurse.