Special Meal Accommodations

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.

 

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.