Offer versus serve (OVS) is a policy for reimbursable meals that allows students to decline a certain number of food components in the meal in order to reduce plate waste and food costs.

A school lunch eligible for federal reimbursement shall offer five (5) food components in the appropriate amounts per grade grouping:
 

1. Fruit

2. Vegetable

3. Grains

4. Meat/Meat Alternate

5. Milk
    

Students are allowed to decline two (2) of the five (5) required food components, but must select at least ½ cup of either fruit (or fruit combination) or ½ cup of vegetables (or a vegetable combination), or a ½ cup of a fruit/ vegetable combination.

After taking the required ½ cup of fruit or vegetable, students must select at least two (2) additional components in the full amounts (per grade group requirements) to count toward the reimbursable offer versus serving a meal.
 

The student’s decision to accept all five (5) components or to decline two (2) components shall not affect the price charged for the meal. The lunch is priced as a unit. A la carte prices will be charged if students do not choose enough food items to comprise a reimbursable meal.

School staff cannot require a student to take a particular food component (except the required ½ cup of fruit or vegetable). It is the student’s choice to select three, four, or all five components.

Prepackaged meals such as bagged or “grab and go” meals are allowed under OVS. School staff is encouraged to offer some food components/food items with choices (e.g. fruit basket) or the option to decline a component/item, such as milk.
 

At each school implementing the Offer versus Serve Policy:
 

• School food service staff will be trained

• Signs will be posted to assist students in identifying a reimbursable meal under OVS
   

Offer versus Serve will be implemented at the Bergen Center for Child Development.