Offer vs. Serve: A visual

  • Offer vs serve

    Offer vs. Serve allows students to build a meal and take what they are going to eat. Garden veggie bars are available for students in grades K-12, so students may select as many raw vegetables as they would like the first time through the lunch line.

    The trays above are the same price:

    • The students on the left opted for the minimum components.
    • The students on the right opted for an entree, one fruit selection, hot vegetable, fresh garden veggie bar, and milk. 

    To view detailed guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Education regarding Offer vs. Serve for breakfast and lunch meals, please click here.

Students choosing = Minimize food waste

  • Students may choose their meal components. This helps students eat what they prefer and cut down on food waste.

    BREAKFAST
    A complete meal consists of at least 3 items. Note: some foods fulfill two nutritional requirements.

    • K-5 may take up to 4 items
    • 6-12 may take up to 5 items

    LUNCH
    A complete meal consists of at least 3 components. Note: some foods fulfill two nutritional requirements. 

    • All grades offered 5 components
Last Modified on July 18, 2023