Meal Substitutions for Medical or Other Special Dietary Reasons
USDA regulations 7 CFR Part 15b require 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 statement signed by a licensed physician. The physician's statement must identify:
* the child's disability;
*an explanation of why the disability restricts the child's diet
*the major life activity affected by the disability
*the food or foods to be omitted from the child's diet, and the food or choice of foods that must be substituted.
The complete guidelines can be accessed through the USDA site listed below. Medical Forms may be found under Applications and Menus on this site. For a child to receive special accommodations a medical form completed and signed by a licensed physician must be completed and on file in the School Nutrition Central Office.
