Special Diets and Meal Accommodations
Nutrition and Wellness Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students in need of dietary modifications that are supported by a medical statement. Staff and parents are encouraged to further explore the Food Services Web page for resources for students with special dietary needs. These include a Medical Statement form, Nutrient Lists, Allergy Information table and other important information.
Medical Statements to request special meals and/or accommodations
The completion of the Medical Statement is required to ensure that the modified meal is reimbursable, and to ensure that any meal modifications meet nutrition standards that are medically appropriate for the child. The current regulations outlined in Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR) sections 210.10(m) and 220.8(d) requires Food Services Department to make food and beverage substitutions for students whose disabilities restrict their diet. Under current requirements, before a meal substitution is made for a student with a disability, we require to have documentation signed by a recognized state medical authority that includes the following items:
- Description of the student’s disability
- Description of the student’s major life activity affected
- Description of how the disability restricts the student’s diet
- Foods to be omitted from the student’s diet
- Foods to be substituted for omitted foods in the student’s diet
Medical Statements are in effect until the condition changes or until the student transfers, promotes to a new school, or leaves the district. If the condition changes, a revised Medical Statement form signed by a recognized medical authority or Registered Dietitian must be submitted.
For children with disabilities who only require modifications in texture (such as chopped, ground, or pureed foods), a recognized medical authority's written instruction, indicating the appropriate food texture is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I just submitted a medical statement, how long will it take until the cafeteria will accommodate my child's meal?
- My child follows a diet based on religious reasons or personal preferences (i.e. Vegetarian, No Pork). What options do they have?
- My child is lactose intolerant.
- My child is unable to drink soy milk or cow's milk. What can you offer?
- My child is allergic to fluid milk, but they can have yogurt and items containing cheese. Why weren't they served cheese?
- Do I need to complete a new medical statement or fluid substitution form every year?
- My child has diabetes. What can be done to monitor their intake at school?
- Do you have sample menu of the following: Gluten Free, Egg Product Free, Peanut Free, etc.?