Parents

Student Meal Choice Explained (Offer vs Serve)

Our school nutrition department implements the Offer Versus Serve (OVS) system. OVS allows students to accept or decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition programs and to allow students more customization of the meal they select. 

Below are a Breakfast and Lunch example to demonstrate what this could look like in practice.

Breakfast Example

Ejemplo de desayuno de “ofrecer vs servir” en español

Our school nutrition department participates in the School Breakfast Program, and implements Offer versus Serve. OVS allows students to decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition programs and to allow students more customization of the meal they select.

Understanding the Breakfast Line
At breakfast, all students have the opportunity to take, at a minimum, milk, fruit, and grains. We also may add protein to the breakfast offerings.

At our elementary school level, students receive the entire meal packaged to take to the classroom or eat in the cafeteria. Since time is short before school begins this is the most effective way to service the students. 

At the middle school and high school level. The students have a choice of many options. While the most nutritious breakfast contains all of the offered item groups, we understand that sometimes our students do not like some of the items we serve. To make our customers happy, we like to give them the option to decline items they do not want to eat. 

For breakfast, students must choose at least three offered item groups for their meal. One of the items selected must be a fruit or vegetable.  

Example Menu for Breakfast*
Egg Sandwich on a Biscuit (this is the entree item, it could be grain only or grain and protein)
1 box of Apple Juice
1 cup Strawberries
8oz of Milk

With Offer versus Serve at breakfast, your student could choose: 

  • Juice, Strawberries, and Milk (Fruit + Fruit  + Milk)
  • Biscuit Sandwich, Strawberries, and Milk (Grain/Protein + Fruit + Milk)
  • Biscuit Sandwich, Strawberries, and Juice (Grain/Protein + Fruit + Fruit)

Even though the school participates in Offer versus Serve, students are not required to decline items and can take all items offered. The choice is up to them! If your student comes home and says they did not get enough to eat at breakfast, ask if they are taking all of the items offered to them. Don’t hesitate to reach out to PHM Food Service at 574-254-2814 if you have any questions about the menu. 

*Keep in mind that some cafeterias offer multiple options within each food group and many offer different serving styles such as breakfast in the classroom. Talk with our team if you have any questions about the choices your student has at breakfast.

Lunch Example

Ejemplo de almuerzo de “Ofrecer vs Servir” en español

Our school nutrition department participates in the National School Lunch Program, and implements Offer versus Serve. Offer versus Serve allows students to decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of Offer versus Serve are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition programs and to allow students more customization of the meal they select.

Understanding the Lunch Line
All schools are required by USDA guidelines to have adequate signage posted in the cafeteria and on the serving line to help explain how students can create a complete meal. The friendly staff at your child’s school are happy to help as well.

At lunch, all students have the opportunity to choose from menu items that fall within five important food groups, including milk, protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains. While the most nutritious lunch contains all of the offered items, we understand that sometimes our students do not like some of the items we serve. To make our customers happy, we like to give them the option to decline items they do not want to eat.

Out of the five food groups your student is offered, they must choose at least three food groups to make a complete meal. One of the selections must be at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetable. Students who do not create a complete meal will be charged a la carte pricing for the items selected.

Example Menu for Lunch*
Chicken Soft Taco
1/2 cup Black Beans
1/2 cup Fiesta Corn
1/2 cup Strawberries
1/2 cup Diced Peaches
8oz of Milk

With Offer Versus Serve at lunch, your student could choose:

  • Chicken Soft Taco and Fiesta Corn (Protein + Grain + Vegetable = 3 food groups)
  • Chicken Soft Taco, Strawberries, and Milk (Protein + Grain + Fruit + Milk = 4 food groups)
  • Black Beans, Fiesta Corn, Strawberries, Milk (Vegetable + Vegetable + Fruit + Milk = 3 food groups)

Even though the school participates in Offer versus Serve, students are not required to decline items, in fact they’re encouraged to take all five food groups, but the choice is up to them! If your student comes home and says they did not get enough to eat at lunch, ask if they are taking all of the food group offerings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to PHM Food Service 574-254-2814 if you have any questions about the offered menu.

*Keep in mind that all our school cafeterias offer multiple options within each food group. Sitting down with young children to review the menu ahead of time will help ensure they are prepared as they come to the cafeteria for lunch.