Special Diets/Allergy

SPECIAL DIETS

Regulations permit substitutions for children with special needs. A statement from a physician supporting a student's condition and prescribed substitution
must be submitted to the Child Nutrition Department as soon as diagnosed. A medical statement for milk allergies is required for each school year.

For non-disabled individuals, the supporting statement shall include:

1. An indication that the medical or other special dietary needs restrict the child's diet.
2. The food or foods to be omitted from the child's diet and the food or choice of foods that may be substituted.

The medical statement must include:

1. Identification of the medical or other dietary need which restricts the child's diet.
2. The food or foods to be omitted from the child's diet, and the food or choice of foods to be substituted.
3. Signature of a licensed medical authority.

For students requiring special dietary needs, a menu will be mailed to the parent/guardian each month. The parent/guardian is required to highlight the menu items that the student should receive each day and return the menu to the cafeteria manager by the first day of each month.

NOTE: A MEDICAL STATEMENT FROM YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN MUST BE ON FILE ANNUALLY IN ORDER FOR US TO MEET THEm SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS.

FOOD ALLERGY

Generally, students with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under 7 CFR 15b.3 of USDA's nondiscrimination regulations, and school food authorities may, but are not required to, make substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician's assessment, food allergies may result in severe, 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. See above for what the physician's statement should include.