A reimbursable meal is a single priced meal unit that offers all of the USDA daily required meal pattern components for each age/grade group served in the minimum required amounts. Quantities vary by age/grade group, but components remain constant and necessary for all student meals claimed for reimbursement. (See ‘meal pattern’ in the index for more information on age/grade groups and vegetable sub-groups.)
Under offer versus serve in the National School Lunch Program, student must take at 3 components in the required serving sizes. One selection must be 1⁄2 cup from either the fruit or vegetable component.
Under offer versus serve in the School breakfast Program, student must select 3 food items in the required serving sizes.