Meal Modification Process

General Information

School districts must make substitutions for students who are considered to have a disability under 7 CFR 15b.3 and whose disability restricts their diet and 7 CFR 210.10(m).

Food Substitutions for Children with Disabilities

Federal regulations governing the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that children with disabilities be offered the opportunity to participate in all academic and nonacademic activities including the school nutrition programs. The District will make reasonable accommodations for those children with disabilities whose disabilities restrict their diets, such as providing substitutions or modifications in the regular meal patterns. Such meal substitutions for students with disabilities will be offered at no extra charge. A student with a disability must be provided substitutions in food when that need is supported by a statement signed by state licensed healthcare professionals and registered dieticians attesting to the need for the substitutions and recommending alternate foods.

However, food service is not required to provide meal services (for example, School Breakfast Program) to students with disabilities when the meal service is not normally available to the general student body, unless a meal service is required under the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan as mandated by state licensed healthcare professionals and registered dieticians written instructions.

Modifications will be made to accommodate a disability will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Health concerns or preferences that a child eat a specific diet because the parent/guardian believes it is healthier for the child are not disabilities and do not require a modification.

The modification provided:

• Should be related to the disability or limitations caused by the disability
• Does not have to be the modification requested
• Must (generally) be free of charge
• Should be implemented even when the person requesting the modification believes more should be done

Food Substitutions for Nondisabled Children

Though not required, the District will also allow substitutions for non-disabled children who are unable to consume the regular meal because of medical or other special dietary needs if the request is supported by a statement signed by a recognized medical authority.

Many food allergies fall under the definition of disability. To be considered for a meal modification plan, a medical statement is required, which can be completed by state-licensed healthcare professional and registered dieticians. The form for this plan can be found on the Food Service Website under the Special Diets tab.

Medical statement requirements

• Provides information about impairment- A diagnosis is not required.
• States how diet is restricted
• States how to accommodate conditions

If the medical statement relates to a food allergy, the following are the three essential components:

1.The food(s) to be avoided (allergen)

2.Brief explanation of how exposure affects the student

3.Recommended substitute(s)

Parent/Guardian Notification

The District will provide notification to parents/guardians of its meal modification procedures via the following sources:

1. District Website
   1. The website will include information on meal modification procedures.
2. By Request
   1. The meal modification plan will be available to all parents/guardians by request from a teacher or building principal.

Where to send Requests:

The Request for Meal Modification form should be sent to the school nurse in the building the student attends.

Appeal Procedure

If a meal modification request is denied, an appeal can be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Inclusive Education and Instruction.

A response will be provided, and every attempt will be made to provide a prompt and equitable resolution. If resolution cannot be reached, a parent/guardian may request and participate in an impartial hearing to resolve the grievance, with the opportunity to examine the complete record. After the hearing, the parent/guardian will receive notice of the final decision and the basis for the decision.

The District may also allow substitutions for fluid milk with a non-dairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent (as established by the Secretary of Agriculture) to fluid milk and meets nutritional standards for students who are unable to consume fluid milk because of medical or other special dietary needs if the request is supported by a statement signed by a recognized medical authority.