Nutrition Services

What is Offer vs. Serve (OVS)?

The Offer vs. Serve (OVS) approach is used in school meal programs to reduce food waste and allow students to make choices while still ensuring they receive a balanced meal. Under OVS:

• Students are offered all required meal components but can decline some if they choose.
• This allows students to take only the foods they intend to eat, reducing unnecessary waste.

Grade Groups for Breakfast & Lunch:

• K-5
• 6-8
• 9-12

Example of OVS at Lunch:

• A student selects chicken nuggets (meat), a roll (grain), and grapes (fruit) – this qualifies as a complete meal.

• Another student selects a side salad (vegetable), an apple (fruit), and milk – this does not qualify because they must take at least one other full component such as a grain or meat.

• If only three components are selected, and two are fruit and vegetable, the student may only select the half-cup portion for either fruit OR vegetable. The other two components must be taken at the minimum required serving size to count as a full meal.

Example of OVS at Breakfast:

• A student selects a whole wheat bagel (grain), yogurt (meat alternate), and orange juice (fruit) – this qualifies as a complete meal.

• Another student selects cereal (grain) and a banana (fruit) but skips milk – this does not qualify as a full meal since they must take at least one more component.

These requirements ensure students receive balanced, nutritious meals that provide the necessary energy and nutrients for their academic success.

What are the Minimum Requirements for each Component by Grade Level?

Protein (such as lean meat, beans, or tofu)

Vegetables

Fruit

Grains (like whole wheat bread, rice, or pasta)

What Are USDA Commodities and How Do They Work?

USDA Foods, also known as commodities, are items provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support school meal programs. These foods help stretch the district’s budget while ensuring students receive nutritious meals.

Why Are Commodities Beneficial?

• Cost Savings: Schools can purchase USDA-approved foods from an order guide at a lower cost than similar products from other vendors, helping save money while still providing high-quality meals.
   

• Variety & Seasonal Offerings: The availability of different USDA Foods changes from month to month, allowing schools to introduce new items and keep menus fresh and exciting for students.
   

• Support for U.S. Agriculture: All USDA Foods are grown, processed, and packaged in the U.S., directly supporting American farmers and food producers.
   

• High Nutrition Standards: These foods meet strict nutritional guidelines, including:

  • No added salt and low-sodium options

  • Unsweetened or extra-light syrup fruits

  • Whole grain options

  • Reduced saturated fats
     

• Flexible Options: Schools can order in bulk quantities for meal preparation or choose individually wrapped grab-and-go items for convenience.

Types of USDA Foods Available

USDA provides a wide variety of food products to schools, including:

• Meats (beef, pork, fish)

• Eggs & Poultry (chicken, turkey)

• Cheese & Dairy

• Fruits & Vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)

• Grains (whole wheat flour, pasta, rice)

How It Affects Meal Planning

Because USDA Foods vary based on availability, some meals may feature items that don’t traditionally seem to “match” a main entrée. However, incorporating these foods ensures a well-balanced meal while maximizing resources. A few examples:

• A meal might feature a turkey sandwich with a side of canned peaches or fresh carrots.

• Seasonal vegetables may be included as side dishes, even if they weren’t originally planned.

• You may see beans served with pizza, as beans are a nutrient-dense USDA commodity that provides essential protein and fiber. Including them helps ensure students receive a balanced meal, even if it seems like an unexpected pairing.

Share Carts – Grades K-8

SGASD provides Share Carts in our K-8 schools to help reduce food waste and ensure students have access to additional nutritious items if they are still hungry. This initiative helps reduce food waste and provides students with an extra source of nutrition if they need it. If a student is still hungry but doesn’t have enough money to purchase more food, they can take an extra item from the Share Cart at no cost.

Why Share Carts?

• Many students take food they don’t end up eating, leading to food waste.

• Some students may still be hungry but do not have additional funds to purchase more food.

• Share Carts allow these students to access extra nutrition and minimizes waste.

How Share Carts Work:

• Students can place unopened, packaged food items they don’t want onto the Share Cart.

• Any student can take an item for free, regardless of their meal status.

Approved Items Include:

• Whole, unpeeled fruits (bananas, oranges, apples, peaches)

• Packaged non-perishable items (breakfast bars, cereal, applesauce)

• Packaged cold items (juice, fruit cups, milk, yogurt)

• Pre-packaged hot items (omelets, cinnamon buns, waffles)

Prohibited Items:

• Opened or partially consumed items

• Items without packaging or resealable lids

• Food directly from a tray

• Items brought from students’ homes