The goal of the Offer Versus Serve (OVS) option in the Healthy School Meals Initiative is to minimize plate waste and to encourage more food choices in school meal programs. This manual was designed for child nutrition programs as a tool in helping them meet the Healthy School Meals Initiative, in particular to assist them in identifying a reimbursable meal under the OVS option. The manual is divided into 10 sections, with the first 3 sections discussing OVS within each of three menu planning systems: (1) traditional meal planning; (2) enhanced meal planning; and (3) nutrient standards menu planning. The remaining sections of the guide include resources to assist in training food service personnel, case study exercises on making food choices, a sample letter to students explaining the Offer Versus Serve option, and a chart comparing the three menu planning systems. Space is included for individual districts to insert sections on money handling, the meal counting system, and hints for implementing their system. (KB)