Offer vs. serve foodservice in lower elementary school lunchrooms

The study indicated that neither method of serving was superior to the other in terms of food consumption, thus supporting the theory that food consumption was not adversely affected when offer vs. serve was implemented. Although the study did not include an analysis of nutrients consumed, it can be assumed that the vitamin, mineral, and protein intakes of the students in the offer vs. serve programs would be higher, as the foods eaten in greater portions (bread, vegetables, and combination dish) are good sources of those nutrients. Within the limitations of this study of food consumption by young children, it appears that offer vs. serve is worthy of careful consideration as a means of cutting lunchroom costs without producing a negative impact on nutrition.