Offer versus Serve is a provision in the NSLP and School Breakfast Program that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals programs while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat.
Offer vs. Serve (OVS) is an approach to menu planning and meal service that aims to simplify program administration and reduce food waste and costs while maintaining the nutritional value of the meal that is served.
This instruction is intended to clarify allowable variations to child nutrition program food components in order to meet religious needs among Jewish schools, institutions and sponsors.
This guidance replaces the 2004 edition of the Offer versus Serve in the School Nutrition Programs Resource Guide. In addition, please note that this guidance will be revised for School Year 2014-15 and beyond to reflect newly implemented meal pattern requirements as they are phased in.