Offer vs Serve Can Turn the Tables on School Lunch
Nutritious meals are essential to students’ overall well-being and academic success. School nutrition programs help ensure that students have access to healthy, balanced meals so that they can focus on their schoolwork. “Offer vs Serve” (OVS) is a key strategy of these programs that aims to empower students and promote healthier food choices.
The Basics of Offer vs Serve for School Nutrition Programs
Offer vs Serve is a flexible meal service approach used in school cafeterias that allows students to make their own food choices while reducing waste. Students are presented with a variety of food options with the freedom to select what they want to eat, while ensuring their choices meet the established meal pattern guidelines.
Three Principles of Offer vs Serve
- Choice – Offer vs Serve emphasizes the importance of providing students with a range of options from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. By allowing students to choose their preferred items, OVS empowers them to make decisions based on their personal preferences and dietary needs.
- Variety – School nutrition programs expose students to a wide range of nutritious foods. With OVS, students have the opportunity to try new foods and explore different flavors. This broadens their palates and promotes healthier eating habits.
- Balance – OVS provides balance by helping students select a combination of food items that meet the requirements of the meal pattern guidelines. These guidelines are designed to make sure students receive adequate nutrients from various food groups.
Benefits of Offer vs Serve
- Reduced Food Waste – OVS minimizes food waste by letting students choose the specific items they want. Since students are more likely to select foods they like, there is a decrease in the amount of uneaten meals, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
- Increased Participation – Offering students a sense of autonomy and the ability to make choices can increase their engagement and participation in school meal programs. When students feel that their preferences are valued, they are more likely to take advantage of the available options.
- Healthier Food Choices – OVS encourages students to make informed decisions regarding their meals. It provides an opportunity for them to learn about different food groups and develop a greater understanding of balanced nutrition. By actively selecting their meals, students are more likely to opt for healthier choices, leading to improved overall dietary habits.
- Educational Value – Offer vs Serve can be used as an educational tool to teach students about nutrition, portion sizes, and the importance of a balanced diet. It offers an interactive learning experience within the school cafeteria, helping students develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
Offer vs Serve is a valuable approach in school nutrition programs that promotes student autonomy, reduced food waste, and healthier food choices. The Platinum Packaging Group works closely with these programs to provide excellent packaging for these meals that benefit students’ physical health but also contributes to their overall well-being and academic success.
This article is by guest contributor Nick Lowe, President of The Platinum Packaging Group. Contact Nick at nlowe@platinumpkggroup.com and visit www.platinumpkggroup.com