Understanding the Lunch Line

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.

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.

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 1⁄2 cup of fruit or vegetable. Students who do not create a complete meal will be charged a la carte pricing for the items selected.