What is Offer Versus Serve (OVS)?
- In an effort to reduce food waste in the Washington County School District breakfast and lunch programs, our schools have implemented an Offer Versus Serve model. This means that though there are at least five components that are offered in lunches and at least four components offered at breakfast, the students only have to take three, with one of the three being a fruit or vegetable. This helps minimize the food wasted by students who do not intend to eat one or two components of the meal.
- For example, if the school is serving taco soup, cinnamon roll, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk, the student could take the soup, vegetables, and milk, and forego the fresh fruit and cinnamon roll. The student could not, however, take just the soup, cinnamon roll, and milk, because none of the three items are a fruit or vegetable. They would be required to take a fruit or vegetable as a fourth item.
How the school’s lunch menu balanced?
- The WCSD participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and therefore follows the NSLP guidelines. These guidelines require specific amount of grains, meat/meat alternative, fruit, vegetable, and dairy based on grade level. Additionally, the meals must meet calorie, saturated fat, and sodium specifications. For further information, please refer to the USDA’s website on the NSLP. https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp
Why did my student did not receive the meal choice they wanted?
- Secondary schools (grades 6-12) in the district offer two different meals each day: a main line and an option line. The students may choose between the two meal options. In the case that the kitchen runs out of one of the choices, the students will only have the other option to choose from. In the rare case that both options/lines run out of food, the kitchen staff will pull together a meal from kitchen inventory.
- Elementary schools (k-5) do not have the ‘option line’ and therefore only have one meal option. As with the secondary schools, if the food runs out, the kitchen staff will pull together a meal from kitchen inventory.
Timespan of lunch
- The duration of school lunch periods is decided by the school’s administration. If you have questions regarding the length of your student’s lunch period, please contact their school’s administration.
Special diets
- If your student has special dietary needs, allergies, etc. we will happily provide a meal appropriate to their needs. Please have your student’s doctor fill out and turn in the ‘Special Diet Form’ to the school nurse.
- Special Diets Link
How do I get a refund?
- Contact/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.s. She will need the student’s name and birthdate along with the name and address of the person the check is being written to. The process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Can I transfer money to another student at a different school?
- Yes. Contact/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. She will need the names and birthdates of the siblings, who is receiving the money, and how much should be transferred.
My student can get a reduction in their sports fees if he/she is on free status. Where can I get proof?
- Contact/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your student’s name, birthdate and where you would like the letter mailed or emailed.
Why is my student on Free lunch status when I didn’t fill out an application?
- Your student most likely participates in a government funded program (ex. Foodstamps/SNAP benefits) which qualifies your student for Free lunch status. Food Service is notified of your student’s qualification directly.
Can I take my student off Free lunch status?
- Of course. Contact/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your concerns.
How come all my students weren’t listed on my Eligibility Letter or my letter had students listed that don’t belong to me?
- This is typically the result of a wrong student ID# being typed in on an application. Contact/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to resolve this problem.
Does Free lunch status also cover breakfast?
- Yes it does.