To help reduce food waste and promote student acceptance, Belmont Public Schools will utilizes the offer vs. serve (OVS) option in all schools. This notice is to clarify the requirements of OVS, specifically related to what students must take in order to have a reimbursable meal.
*Students are required to take a minimum of ½ cup of fruit or vegetables for a reimbursable meal at both breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast Requirements for OVS (where applicable)
At breakfast, schools must offer students all three required food components in at least the minimum required amounts. The components at breakfast are grains (with optional meats/meat alternates allowed), juice/fruit/vegetable and milk. Under OVS, a student must be offered at least four (4) food items and must select at least three (3) food items – one (1) item must be either a fruit or vegetable.
Lunch Requirements for OVS
At lunch, schools must offer students all five (5) required food components in at least the minimum required amounts. The components at lunch are: meats/meat alternates; grains; fruit; vegetables; and fluid milk. Under OVS, a student must take at least three (3) components in the required serving sizes - one (1) component must be either a fruit or vegetable.