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Offer versus Serve (OVS) - Nutrient Based Print E-mail

School Breakfast Program Nutrient Based


Offer at least:

  • MILK

  • SIDE DISH #1

  • SIDE DISH #2

Examples of menu items are: Pancakes with syrup Orange Juice Scrambled Eggs Applesauce Toast with Margarine Canadian Bacon Cereal Sausage Menu items could be listed as a choice. For example, one menu item could be "Choice of Fruit/Juice". Several different fruits and juices could be offered for this menu item such as: Applesauce Orange Juice Apple Juice Orange Slices

Criteria for a Reimbursable Meal

When MILK, SIDE DISH #1, AND SIDE DISH #2 are offered, students may decline one food item. When MILK and 3 or more SIDE DISHES are offered, students may decline up to two of the food selections. Students may not decline more than two menu items regardless of how many are offered.
Offer versus Serve (OVS) School Lunch Program Nutrient Based

Offer at least:

  • MILK

  • ENTRÉE 

  • SIDE DISH


The entree is a combination of foods or a single food item. The entrée is the central focus of the meal and forms the framework around which the rest of the meal is planned. It may or may not contain meat. More than one entrée can be offered as a choice. Some examples of entrées are:

  • Chili

  • Spaghetti/Sauce and Garlic Bread

  • Chicken Patty on Bun

  • Baked Potato

  • Hamburger with Fries

One or more sides dishes may be offered. Menu items may be listed as a choice. For example, one side dish may be "Choice of Vegetables". Several different vegetables could be offered for this menu item such as:

  • Green Beans

  • Carrot and Celery Sticks

  • Mashed Potatoes

  • Green Pepper and Cauliflower/Ranch Dip


Criteria for a Reimbursable Meal

The ENTRÉE must always be taken.
When MILK, an ENTRÉE, and ONE SIDE DISH are offered the student may decline one item; the milk or the side dish.
When MILK, an ENTRÉE, and TWO OR MORE SIDE DISHES are offered, the student may decline up to two items; the milk and one side dish or two side dishes. No more than two menu items may be declined.

Salad Bar Nutrient Based

The Salad Bar may be an ENTREE or a SIDE DISH. If the salad bar is an ENTREE:
Offer milk and at least one other side dish such as bread or a dessert item. More side dishes may be offered.

Criteria for a Reimbursable Meal

Some food from the salad bar must be taken when it is the entrée. There is no definite rule on how much food must be on the tray; however, encourage students to select a variety of foods.
When MILK and one SIDE DISH are offered with the salad bar students may decline the milk or the side dish.
When MILK and two or more SIDE DISHES are offered with the salad bar students may decline two menu items.
If the salad bar is a SIDE DISH:
Offer at least an entrée and milk. Additional side dishes may be offered.

Criteria for a Reimbursable Meal

Students must take the entrée. They must take either some food from the salad bar if it is the only side dish or the milk. They may decline either the milk or the salad bar. If the salad bar is offered as a side dish and additional side dishes are offered, students must take the entrée and may decline no more than two menu items.
 
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 September 2006 )