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Offer vs. Serve

Offer vs. Serve is a provision in the lunch program that allows students the option of declining some of the food offered. This system is designed to decrease food waste while offering flexibility to students.

  • A student must take a minimum of 3 out of 5 food items. 
  • All meals have a standard price. For example: if a student takes 3, 4, or 5 items they will be charge the flat rate. 
  • A student may take a smaller portion of a declined item.
  • 5 food items
    • Meat/meat Alternative
    • Grain/Bread
    • Vegetables and Fruit
    • Milk
  • the 4 lunch components
    • Meat/Meat alternative (2oz)
    • Vegetables/Fruit (1 cup)
    • Grains/breads (10-15 sv/wk)
    • Milk (1/2 8oz) 
  • 4 food items from 3-4 components
    • Meat/Meat Alternative
    • Grain/Bread
    • Vegetable/Fruit (1 cup)
    • Milk (1/2 cup) 

    • A student must take a minimum of 3 out of 5 food items. 
    • All meals have a standard price. For example: if a student takes 3, 4, or 5 items they will be charge the flat rate. 
    • A student may take a smaller portion of a declined item.

    • 5 food items
      • Meat/meat Alternative
      • Grain/Bread
      • Vegetables and Fruit
      • Milk
    • the 4 lunch components
      • Meat/Meat alternative (2oz)
      • Vegetables/Fruit (1 cup)
      • Grains/breads (10-15 sv/wk)
      • Milk (1/2 8oz) 

    • 4 food items from 3-4 components
      • Meat/Meat Alternative
      • Grain/Bread
      • Vegetable/Fruit (1 cup)
      • Milk (1/2 cup) 

Additional information about Offer vs. Serve:

  • Students may refuse a food item.
  • When a student can make choices they are more likely to eat what they select.
  • We encourage students to select all food items.
  • Parents and other adults can help teach children how to make healthy food choices.