School Nutrition

MEAL SUBSTITUTIONS FOR MEDICAL OR SPECIAL DIETARY REASONS

USDA Regulation 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 signed statement from a licensed physician.  

In Cases of Food Allergy

Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may make food substitutions for them but is not required to.  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.

Meal Accommodations

Glossary of Allergy Terms

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 children with food intolerances or allergies who do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) they have problems with.

Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs

Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority. The Medical Statement must include:

• An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet;

• The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet and

• The food or choice of foods to be substituted.

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH/SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

By participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and eliminating the need for meal
applications, Baldwin County will reduce administrative and printing costs. Families also benefit
from the elimination of completing and submitting meal applications.

Children need healthy meals to learn. Baldwin County Schools offers healthy meals every school
day at no charge to your child(ren). Our food service receives support from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

The following schools will be participating in this alternative provision and provide meals at no
charge to children during School Year 2026-2027:

Baldwin High – Oak Hill Middle – Lakeview Academy – Lakeview Primary – Midway Hills

Elementary – Baldwin Success Academy – Early Learning Center
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