United States
Department of
Agriculture
Food and
Nutrition
Service
3101 Park
Center Drive
Alexandria, VA
22302-1500
Date:
September 15, 2006
Memo Code: CACFP 15-2006; SP 31-2006
SUBJECT:
Clarification on the Substitution of NSLP Meals and Use of Offer
versus Serve for CACFP Meals Prepared by Schools
TO:
Regional Directors
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
State Directors
Child and Adult Care Food Program
All States
State Directors
National School Lunch Program
All States
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations at 7 CFR 226.20(o) give State
agencies the option to allow institutions that serve meals prepared in schools that participate
in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to substitute the NSLP menu planning
approaches for the CACFP meal pattern requirements. This provision also applies to the use
of offer versus serve (OVS).
This provision permits the substitution of NSLP meals, including the use of OVS, only to
school age children participating in CACFP, who are already familiar with OVS through
their participation in NSLP meals during school hours. Although adult day care centers may
find it advantageous to contract with a school or SFA for meals, OVS for adult meals must
follow the requirements described in the CACFP regulations at 7 CFR 226.20(q). These
requirements are specific to the CACFP adult meal pattern and permit adult participants to
decline certain food items.
Generally, OVS is not appropriate for preschool children because it may interfere with
Program nutrition goals, those set by the State agency, and the CACFP institution’s efforts to
introduce new foods to children. Rather, we encourage CACFP institutions to consider using
family style service, as described in FNS Instruction 783-9, Rev. 2, as a way to provide
younger children some choice in the types and amounts of food selected.
Among the CACFP institutions that may benefit from the use