Special Diet Information / Requests

Regulation Background

The USDA nondiscrimination regulation, as well as the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, state the substitutions to the regular meal must be made for children who are unable to eat school meals because of their disabilities when that need is certified by a State-licensed health care professional who is authorized to write medical prescriptions under State law.

When nutrition services are required under a child's IEP, school officials need to make sure that the child nutrition staff is involved early on in decisions regarding special meals. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the written document that contains the program of special education and related services to be provided to a child with a disability covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

In most cases, children with disabilities can be accommodated with little extra expense or involvement. Child Nutrition Services and the School Health Office have collaborated to devise a procedure for ordering special dietary modifications for students. This procedure was developed to ensure that students receive adequate nutrition and schools have the equipment and supplies necessary to meet their needs.

Please fill out our dietary restriction/food allergy request form and return it to the school nurse at your school.

image of students eating lunch