Ordo vs. ChoiceLunch: Choosing the Right School Food Program

When it comes to choosing a meal program for your school, finding a reliable food service provider that meets your school’s needs is crucial.

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ChoiceLunch is a school lunch company operating solely in California that provides food for schools. Ordo provides fresh, healthy meals for all types of schools across the country, powered by an online platform that helps administrators manage their paperwork and track participation.

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Schools choosing between ChoiceLunch and Ordo generally look at several categories:

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• Menu pricing
• Reimbursable meals for NSLP/CACFP/SBP
• Meals with or without sides
• Kid-friendly portions
• Toddler safe meals
• Online ordering
• Nut-free options (ex. nut-free)
• Breakfast offered
• On-site services

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How ChoiceLunch compares to Ordo.

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Menu Pricing

Ordo: Varies per age group

ChoiceLunch: Varies per age group

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Ordo provides meals for all types of schools. For NSLP/CACFP schools, Ordo can serve food at typical price points to match reimbursement rates, depending on the state. For other schools, the average price per meal is $7, ensuring that schools can deliver fresh, hot meals while managing their budgets effectively. ChoiceLunch, at an average of $7 per meal, provides similar services at a similar price point.

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Reimbursable Meals for NSLP/CACFP/SBP

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Ordo provides reimbursable meals for NSLP, CACFP, and SBP, which adhere to federal nutrition guidelines and help schools secure funding. ChoiceLunch has served NSLP meals in many school districts and charter schools throughout California and has been able to qualify for reimbursement.

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Meals with or without sides

Ordo: Yes

ChoiceLunch: Yes

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Ordo ensures that every meal includes side items, helping students meet their daily nutritional requirements and providing a balanced, fulfilling dining experience. Sides can be added to ChoiceLunch meals via customized ordering, and meal plans can include up to 3 sides. However, all sides must at least initially be added to individual meals or a meal plan, and are not necessarily included by default.

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Kid-friendly portions

Ordo: Yes

ChoiceLunch: Yes, provides options for regular and large portions

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Both Ordo and ChoiceLunch offer portion sizes suitable for children. Ordo designs meals specifically to meet the nutritional needs of students at different age levels. ChoiceLunch’s menu has different portion size options to accommodate varying appetites.

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Online Ordering

Ordo: Yes

ChoiceLunch: Yes

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Both Ordo and ChoiceLunch offer convenient online ordering systems for efficient meal planning and customization, helping schools streamline their meal management processes.

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Nut-free options

Ordo: Yes

ChoiceLunch: Yes

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Ordo and ChoiceLunch are both sensitive to the dietary needs of students with nut allergies. Ordo follows strict nut-free guidelines across its entire menu, while ChoiceLunch also maintains a menu with nut-free items.

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Breakfast offered

Ordo: Yes

ChoiceLunch: Yes

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Both providers offer breakfast options, ensuring that students can start the day with a nutritious meal. Ordo consistently provides breakfast daily, making it easier for schools to offer a reliable breakfast program.

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On-Site Services

Ordo: Sometimes

ChoiceLunch: No

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Ordo offers some on-site food services to select schools, allowing fresh and hot meals to be served directly. ChoiceLunch does not prepare and provide food services on-site, relying instead on a centralized kitchen to deliver meals to schools, which can sometimes result in cold or less fresh food.

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When weighing these two programs, it's clear that both school meal programs provide a comprehensive, flexible, and affordable option tailored for schools of all sizes. However, ChoiceLunch only operates in California. By focusing on providing fresh, hot meals that meet national nutrition standards, Ordo has become the fastest-growing school food program in multiple states throughout the country.

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Interested schools can reach out to Ordo’s school partnerships team here.