OFFER Versus SERVE (OVS)

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. For general OVS guidelines, please read the Understanding the Breakfast Line section below.

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 and vegetables to the breakfast offerings. While the most nutritious breakfast 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.

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

Example Menu for Breakfast*

Egg Sandwich on a Biscuit (noted here as one item)1/2 cup Seasoned Potatoes

1 cup Strawberries

8oz of Milk

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

● Seasoned Potatoes, Strawberries, and Milk ( Vegetable + Fruit + Milk)

● Biscuit Sandwich, Strawberries, and Milk ( Grain + Fruit + Milk)

● Biscuit Sandwich, Strawberries, and Seasoned Potatoes (Grain + Fruit + Vegetable)

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 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 Missy Schultheis 812-354-8731 ext 317 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 and lunch.

Pike Central Middle School