STUDENTS REQUIRING SPECIAL MEAL ACCOMODATIONS ~
USDA regulations 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A Child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a statement signed by a licensed physician. The physician’s statement must identify:
- the child’s disability;
- an explanation of why the disability restricts the child’s diet;
- the major life activity affected by the disability;
- the food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet, and the food or choice of food that must be substituted.
Please see below to download the Special Medical Needs Form to be completed by the student’s physician.
In Case of Food Allergy:
Generally, children with food allergies or intolerance do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDES, and the food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them.
However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in sever, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability,” and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
Please see below to download the Special Medical Needs Form to be completed by the student’s physician.
Other Special Dietary Needs:
The school food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need.
Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerance’s or allergies but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.
Please see below to download the Special Medical Needs Form to be completed by the student’s physician.