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Special Dietary Needs Accommodation

Meal Modification Request Process

The School Food Authority (SFA) or school can receive meal modification requests from two primary sources: a State Licensed Healthcare Professional or a Parent/Guardian.

Requests from a State Licensed Healthcare Professional

When a request comes from a healthcare professional, the SFA must verify if the medical statement includes the following four elements:

  • How the child’s physical or mental impairment restricts their diet (a specific diagnosis is not required).
  • An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the disability.
  • The specific foods to be omitted and recommended alternatives.
  • A signature from a State licensed healthcare professional.
     
If the statement is complete (Yes):
  • The SFA must accommodate the request. While the SFA should try to stay within the standard meal pattern, the student’s meal does not have to meet those requirements to be reimbursable. Note that Offer versus Serve (OVS) may not be used to accommodate the request.
If the statement is incomplete (No):
  • The SFA must work with the parent or guardian to get clarification. The SFA is not permitted to contact the healthcare professional directly. While waiting for the update, the SFA should follow the clear portions of the existing statement and should not delay the modification just because recommended alternatives were missing.

Requests from a Parent or Guardian

When a parent or guardian makes the request, the first step is to determine if it is for a medical condition.

1. If it is for a Medical Condition (Yes):
  • Within Meal Pattern: If the accommodation fits within the standard meal pattern, the SFA should accommodate it. A medical statement is not strictly required by federal law, though an SFA may require one if it is part of their written procedures. OVS may not be used.
  • Outside Meal Pattern: If the accommodation cannot be made within the meal pattern, a medical statement signed by a State licensed healthcare professional must be obtained.
2. If it is NOT for a Medical Condition (No):

  • Requests based on food, health, ethical, or religious preferences are not considered disabilities. The SFA is not required to accommodate these preferences, though they may choose to do so. If the SFA chooses to make these modifications, the meals must meet all USDA meal pattern requirements.

Additional Guidance

It is recommended, though not required, that diet prescriptions be renewed annually. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.