Offer vs Serve School Meal Pattern Handout

2012-2013School Meal PatternHow to recognize a reimbursable mealChoice of 3, 2, or 1ComponentsRequired Component*(1/2 cup serving)Full Serving of anAdditional Component, byage/grade group**ReimbursableMeal?If selecting 3 components consisting ofmeat/meat alternative or grain or milk+ OR + =If selecting 2 components consisting ofmeat/meat alternative or grain or milk+ OR + =If selecting only 1 componentconsisting of meat/meat alternative orgrain or milk+ + =If selecting only 1 componentconsisting of meat/meat alternative orgrain or milk+ + =*Under offer versus serve, students must take a minimum of a ½ cup of fruit and/or vegetable component in addition to two other full components inorder for the meal to qualify as a reimbursable meal.** K-5: Vegetable Serving = ¾ cup and Fruit Serving = ½ cup6-8 :Vegetable Serving = ¾ cup and Fruit Serving = ½ cup9-12: Vegetable Serving = 1 cup and Fruit Serving = 1 cup

How do you meet the Fruit/Vegetable required component under offerversus serve?There are multiple ways to meet the fruit and/or vegetable component requirements under offer versus serve.Students may take ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetables in various combinations for a reimbursable meal.Option 1 Option 2½ cup fruit½ cupvegetableOption 3Option 4Option 5+++¼ cup ofone fruit¼ cup of anotherfruit¼ cup ofone fruit¼ cup of onevegetable¼ cup of onevegetable¼ cup ofanothervegetableCommissioner Todd StaplesTexas Department of AgricultureThis institution is an equal opportunity provider.National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are fundedby the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.