Food Service Operations
Descriptions for pre-plated, cafeteria, family style and combination types of meal services are provided below. Meals may be served to participants using any one of the four types described.
Pre-plated meal service – This is a type of meal service where by all the food components of a meal e.g., lunch – meat/meat alternate, fruits, vegetables, breads/grains and milk are served to participants. Supervising staff pre-fill plates and glasses/cups with the minimum required portion size for all food components prior to the meal service.
Cafeteria style – This type of meal service is commonly found in school settings. Students are served the food components of their meal by food service staff as they proceed down the serving line. In some situations, a supervising adult may assist a student with his/her tray if they are unable to safely carry their tray to a cafeteria table.
Family style meal service – This type of meal service allows participants to serve themselves from common serving dishes of food placed on the table. Enough food must be brought to each table in order to provide the full required portion size for all participants and a supervising adult, if the adult intends to eat with the participants. The serving dishes are passed from one participant to another. Emphasis is placed on participants serving themselves. Adult supervision is necessary to provide assistance to young children and to set a good example.
Children should be encouraged to take the minimum required portion size for their age group of each food component. However, if a child is hesitant to serve themselves a particular food item the adult should encourage them to try a small portion/sample size. But if a child declines a food item the adult cannot force the child to take the food item. Please note that a child’s meal may be claimed for reimbursement even if they decline/refuse to select one or more food items that are offered. The required components must remain on the table during the meal service to accommodate participants who desire more food or want a food component that was previously declined.
Combination style – This type of meal service combines pre-plated and family style meal services. It can be used when certain food items of a meal cannot be easily or safely passed in common serving dishes from one participant to another when using a family style meal service.
The following example more clearly describes this type of meal service. A lunch containing a grilled cheese sandwich, chili (soup), green beans and milk is planned. Since the meal contains hot soup that is not easily/safely passed between participants the center may decide to use a combination style meal service for this particular meal. The adult pours the milk in the glasses and serves up the chili in bowls for the participants. Since the adult is “pre-plating” these two food items, the minimum required portion size for each age group of participants must be served.
