NC Online Ordering System Template - Instructions - 9.16.2020

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Levi

NC Online Ordering System Template explains how schools create and customize a free Google Forms-based online meal ordering workflow. The guide covers preparing the editable master form, adding collaborators, tailoring student information, menu options, and confirmation settings, and validating branching logic through preview and test submissions. It also details how to switch response acceptance, distribute a shortened unique weekly link to parents, and compile orders in Google Sheets for organized review and grouping after deadlines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Materials Needed

Step 1: Customize Your Order Form

Things to customize initially

Other things you may want to customize

Check branching and preview

Create weekly cycle menu copies

Step 2: Send Your Form

Accepting Responses and notifications

Send via link or embed

Step 3: Compile Your Orders

Review responses and export to Sheets

Purpose The NC Online Ordering System Template, a free and easy tool created using Google Forms, allows schools to set up their own online meal ordering system. This document provides the steps for customizing the tool and using it to manage online meal orders. Materials Needed ● A Google Account (sign up for one here, it’s free and this is the first step to using the form!) ● A preview version of the form, available here ● The editable version of the NC Online Ordering Template, available here (must have/create a google account to access) ● Your cycle menu, offer vs. serve policy, a calendar, etc. ● The accompanying video tutorial, available here Step 1: Customize Your Order Form To help you follow along with the video, we’ve included [timestamps] for the point in the video each specific step is covered. To jump to a step, simply fast forward to that point in the video. 1. [1:30] Familiarize yourself with the preview version of the form by responding to it as a parent would, before getting started. It’s always helpful to begin with the end in mind! 2. [3:00] Start by clicking the link for the editable version of the form. You’ll be prompted to enter your Google account login details. Once the copy is made, change the form name to include the word “Master” or “Template” and move the form to a folder in your Google Drive by clicking the folder icon next to the form name. 3. [4:00] Need to have other people on your team edit the form too? Add collaborators, share an editable version of the form, and add users to your Google Folder too. 4. Time to customize your master form! TIP! [Covered at the 4:18 Minute Mark] If you have a cycle menu, you might consider customizing this “Master” version with your required student information, specific OVS language, number of standard entrees and sides, and then making a copy for each week of your cycle menu. Then, once each week of your cycle menu has also been customized, make datespecific copies. The instructions that follow will lead you through the steps to do this. Things to customize initially: ● [5:30] The title of the form and initial ordering instructions ● [6:05] Student information needed (you may need more or less information than what the template form includes, such as adding a “pick up location” question) ● [9:30] Number of entree and side choices ● [11:35] Milk types Other things you may want to customize: ● [5:45] The image at the top of the form or the theme of the form to match your district ● [13:00] The confirmation message once the form is submitted and other settings 5. [8:00] Check your question branching. The form is set up to go to different sections based on the selection of the user. If you’ve added or removed questions or sections, these settings may have been changed. Double check things are correct before moving forward. 6. [14:12] Preview the form to double check everything by clicking the eye icon in the top right and filling out the form. You can even submit a response and then later delete it. 7. [14:45] Make a copy of the form to customize it for the first week of your menu. Customize the actual menu item names based on your menu. a. [16:30] Optional: Insert photos of your menu items to help market your delicious offerings! 8. [17:25] Once you’ve created your cycle menu versions, make a copy of each form (last time, we promise!) and customize that copy with the specific dates of the menu, the order deadline, etc. This will be the form you send to parents. You may want to preview it a final time to confirm it’s accurate. Step 2: Send Your Form 1. [19:25] Once your form is done, go to the “Responses” tab and click “Accepting Responses” so it’s green. a. [19:30] Optional: To be notified via email when responses are received, click the 3 small dots and the “Get responses” option (the first in the list) . 2. [19:35] Go to the top right and click the “Send” button. You can send the form via email, vi

FAQs

What is the NC Online Ordering System Template used for?

It helps schools set up an online meal ordering system so families can place orders through a Google Forms workflow. The document walks through customizing the form and managing weekly orders.

What should be customized in the master order form first?

Customize the form title and initial ordering instructions, add or adjust student information questions, set the number of entrée and side choices, and configure milk types. Additional options include themes, images, confirmation messages, and question branching.

How are order links sent to parents each week?

After completing the form, set it to accepting responses, then use the Send button to distribute it—typically by generating a shortened link and copying it. Each weekly cycle requires a new form link to match the dates and deadlines.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Levi